Homes that make us smart

This is another paper I read today. This paper introduces many devices that can be used at home. Some of these devices are still at the concept stage, while some have been built and tested. Fridge magnets that glow when moved around, HomeNote- a post-it notes display, whereabouts clock and intelligent bowls are some devices discussed in the paper.

The authors say that the these devices are not intelligent in themselves, but they make their users intelligent. They provide props for members to organize and co-ordinate their lives. They have identified important surfaces in households that are extensively used to broadcast information within a family, like the refrigerator surfaces, bowls etc. They names these surfaces as intelligent surfaces. Smart home devices make use of these surfaces. Some devices like the HomeNote create new surfaces as well.

The papers also introduces the concept of person-to-place technology that these devices offer as opposed to the existing person-to-person technology. Emphasis has also been laid on the need for these devices to be unobtrusive. These devices should blend into the surroundings. They should also give information "at-a-glance."

There is a lot to learn from this paper in regard to my project. The idea of intelligent surfaces and how to efficiently use them is a useful concept. Products that can utilize and enhance the usability of these spaces will be most useful. A clock, or a fridge magnet would, therefore, be a good device. The essential features of these devices, like unobtrusiveness (is that even a word?), are also to be considered in the project.