_NeonGrape

As we move towards a world of “plug and play” devices, are the frameworks within which we are designing these devices flexible enough to allow for a radical shift in attitude, should such a shift be required in the future?  The danger of designing an entire world of self-maintained ubiquitous systems that in the end force us to accommodate their existence, as opposed to assisting our lifestyles, is a very real threat which needs to be addressed before we become caught up in such a scenario.

***
“My concern is that as we make the decisive turn towards ubiquitous computing, that we run the risk of designing not merely technical systems, but in fact a world where the human being and our fundamental prerogatives of privacy, sanity and serenity are overwhelmed at all times and at all places.”

Adam Greenfield – Everyware Presentation, Tokyo, 2006

***

In this paper we shall consider what a framework is as it relates to the world of interaction design, what purpose it serves, and how it influences the way we design interactive applications in the context of ubiquitous computing systems.  We shall examine the different spheres of research within which frameworks are actively used to determine a set methodology and approach to problem solving.  Once these grounds have been established, we shall take a look at how much flexibility the use of frameworks permits us in designing future applications, and if the necessity should arise, what possibility there would be to accommodate a massive paradigm shift in interaction design and ubiquitous computing systems.

Frameworks Essay (right click/save as to download the full essay)