The Computer for the 21st Century by Mark Weiser

This paper written in 1991 by Mark Weiser sparked much research in the area of ubiquitous computing. He emphasizes the fact that technology today demands a lot of attention, but its real potential can be attained when it is everywhere without making its presence known.

He says, "Whenever people learn something sufficiently well, they cease to be aware of it." He compares technology with various day to day objects. Computers should be like street signs that do not demand much attention but give information at a glance. They should be like engines, that "disappear" into the background. Most importantly, they should be like writing- everywhere!

Tabs, pads and boards are three machines developed at PARC. He outlines different ways in which they are used and elaborately describes how they can be used in the future. The details of how each product can be used help the reader understand the scope of such technology.

A very easy-to-read paper which succeeded to change the direction of our perception of technology and its usability in the future.