Wearable devices for workplace collaboration and awareness

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Over the years, researchers have investigated a number of different types of systems to support workplace collaboration and awareness over distance. This has included media spaces that use always-on video, instant messaging systems, groupware calendaring systems, and virtual worlds, amongst others. Yet all were focused on desktop computers given the time period in which they were studied and the availability of technology. In present day, we see a new type of technology emerging in the form of wearable devices such as smart watches. These typically support similar applications as smartphones, tablets, or computers, however, they bring with them new styles of interaction such as support for a 'glanceable' display. Thus, rather than having to pull out a device from one's pocket or touch a device to gain information, a person could glance at their wrist, for example, to acquire information. Interaction with others is similarly 'ready at hand.' What is unknown at this time is how people will make use of this type of technology and interaction, what information will be most valuable on such devices, and how end users will want to gain access to this information. The goal of this research project is to explore the design and development of user interfaces and software for wearable devices, such as smart watches. We will study and design wearable device applications and the associated hardware to learn in what ways are workplace collaborators able to use existing applications to support workplace interactions and awareness and where are they limited?; what workplace awareness information is most useful to have 'ready at hand' on a wearable device?; and, how should workplace collaborators interact with an awareness system designed for a wearable device?