Author(s):

Burrell, Jenna; Treadwell, Paul; Geri, Gay, K.

Title:

Designing for Context: Usability in a Ubiquitous Environment

Publication:

Proceedings on the 2000 Conference on Universal Usability

Keywords:

appeal; context-aware computing; ethnographic study; field studies; interaction; interviews; iterative design process; location-aware computing; mobile computing; naturalistic observation; participatory design; qualitative research methods; quantitative research methods; self-reporting; social acceptance; social implications; user evaluation; user questionnaire; user-centered design

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the design and development of a contextually aware tool for use in a university setting. The wireless system, called Semaphore, provides links to resources based on a student's location on campus, day/time, and personal user settings. For example, when a student is near a campus event, a link to that event will become available on their wireless device (location and day/time). The context-aware system is based on the concept of social navigation, wherein the experiences of others contribute to the content and functionality of the system.

The paper also present an overview of the iterative design process used to develop the system. The authors briefly explain the processes used to develop the system, including:

• User observation
• User survey
• Field study with a different wireless system to inform the design of Semaphore
• User interviews
• Participatory design session

Future iterative design techniques include:

• Field / usability study with two different classes
• Ongoing design sessions involving real users

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