Designing Calm Technology

Designing Calm Technology

December 21, 1995 | Mark Weiser and John Seely Brown
The article "Designing Calm Technology" by Mark Weiser and John Seely Brown explores the concept of creating technologies that enhance calmness and comfort rather than the typical information overload experienced with modern devices. They introduce the "Dangling String," an innovative tool created by artist Natalie Jeremijenko, which visually and auditorily represents network traffic. The string, hanging from a ceiling-mounted motor, twitches in response to network activity, providing peripheral clues about network conditions without being obtrusive. The authors argue that calm technology should engage both the center and the periphery of human attention, allowing users to be aware of their surroundings without being overwhelmed. They define the periphery as the part of our attention that we are attuned to but do not explicitly attend to, such as the noise of an engine while driving. By moving between the center and the periphery, calm technology enhances peripheral reach and locatedness, making us more aware of our environment and enabling better control over technology. The article discusses three signs of calm technology: the ability to move between the center and the periphery, enhancing peripheral reach, and increasing locatedness. Examples include inner office windows, which enhance peripheral reach and locatedness by providing clues about the environment, and Internet Multicast, which enables continuous multimedia connections and enhances peripheral reach. The Dangling String is another example, increasing peripheral reach by representing network traffic in a physical form. In conclusion, the authors emphasize the importance of designing calm technology to enrich social interactions and empower individuals in the 21st century. They suggest that by properly integrating the center and the periphery, technology can become a more human-centered and less overwhelming experience.The article "Designing Calm Technology" by Mark Weiser and John Seely Brown explores the concept of creating technologies that enhance calmness and comfort rather than the typical information overload experienced with modern devices. They introduce the "Dangling String," an innovative tool created by artist Natalie Jeremijenko, which visually and auditorily represents network traffic. The string, hanging from a ceiling-mounted motor, twitches in response to network activity, providing peripheral clues about network conditions without being obtrusive. The authors argue that calm technology should engage both the center and the periphery of human attention, allowing users to be aware of their surroundings without being overwhelmed. They define the periphery as the part of our attention that we are attuned to but do not explicitly attend to, such as the noise of an engine while driving. By moving between the center and the periphery, calm technology enhances peripheral reach and locatedness, making us more aware of our environment and enabling better control over technology. The article discusses three signs of calm technology: the ability to move between the center and the periphery, enhancing peripheral reach, and increasing locatedness. Examples include inner office windows, which enhance peripheral reach and locatedness by providing clues about the environment, and Internet Multicast, which enables continuous multimedia connections and enhances peripheral reach. The Dangling String is another example, increasing peripheral reach by representing network traffic in a physical form. In conclusion, the authors emphasize the importance of designing calm technology to enrich social interactions and empower individuals in the 21st century. They suggest that by properly integrating the center and the periphery, technology can become a more human-centered and less overwhelming experience.
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Understanding Designing Calm Technology