The Pitfalls of Ubiquitous Computing

Emma Zelenko
Sep 3, 2018 · 3 min read

Mark Weiser’s article “The Computer for the 21st Century” predicts how computers will soon be so integrated into all products of our lives that they will “disappear” and we will stop being conscious of their presence. Although the article was written in 1991, his talking points are eerily similar to the conversations people are having today about ubiquitous computing. While many in the tech and design world are excited about the possibility of integrating computers into more and more physical products I find that not enough people are considering the negative impacts that could result from this. There are two main factors that worry me about ubiquitous computing- privacy and dependency on a technology that is still quite fragile.

Privacy

Privacy is not a new topic with computers. We are constantly being warned to be careful about credit card numbers we enter on online stores, photos we share on social media, and passwords we enter on our online accounts. But this is all information we are actively, consciously providing on the internet. The problem with ubiquitous computing is how much information about us is being collected and stored without action or possibly even awareness on our part. Smartphones, wearables, and smart home devices can (or will soon be able to) detect where you are at all times, whether you’re awake or asleep, what foods you buy and books you read, when your heart rate increases and when you’re sick. And nothing needs to be typed into a browser or shouted at Siri in order to get this information.

Dependency on technology

We are becoming increasingly dependent on internet connected devices for our daily activities yet the ability to access the web is something that can quite quickly and easily be taken away. A power outage, problems with a router, or not paying the internet bill can take away your access in seconds. Even as these issues become rarer there is still the risk of an authoritarian government or a hacker blocking access to important sites. It’s one thing to not be able to check your email when the internet cuts out but if we start depending on smart devices and apps as ways to enter buildings, cook food, drive cars, and administer life saving medications the impact of an internet outage is much more sever.

Mark Weiser’s article shows the perspective of a technologist, whose job it is to imagine exciting potential futures. But as designers we cannot just think about conveniences that come with technology but the consequences as well. Our role is to envision both the good and bad that can come from innovations and determine how to prevent or mitigate that negative consequences.

While browsing the web today I came across this Buzzfeed post that illustrated some of the consquences of our reliance on screens: www.buzzfeed.com/eyelove/if-your-screens-could-talk-this-is-what-theyd-say

Image credit: Buzzfeed

Interaction and Service Design Seminar 2018

Reflections on class readings and discussions

Emma Zelenko

Written by

I’m a designer pursuing my master’s in interaction design at Carnegie Mellon. This account follows my progress on several master’s courses and projects.

Interaction and Service Design Seminar 2018

Reflections on class readings and discussions

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