Interacting with the ubiquitous computer: towards embedding interaction

Computing and communication technology is widely used and integrated in devices, environments, and everyday objects. Even with major advances in technology the vision of ubiquitous computing - from a user perspective - is not yet achieved. In this paper we look at new forms of interaction that will help to interact with the ubiquitous computer. In particular we introduce the concept of embedded interaction, and implicit use. The focus of the research is on embedding information into people's environments. Currently massive amounts of information are available. However, delivering it to the user in a way that is pleasant and not annoying is still a challenge. Observing mobile phone information push services, it appears that endless information is available; however, much of the information is interesting only in a very specific context of use. We investigate how information can be provided to users - exactly when and where it is needed. Our approach is based on a variety of information displays unobtrusively embedded into the user's everyday environment. We place the information displays in context. In contrast to the traditional approach on context-awareness where a context is recognized and then the appropriate information is delivered, we look at providing information already in context. It is up to the user to make use of the provided information or not.