The era of desktop computing is drawing to a close, making way for ubiquitous computing, or ubicomp. Ubiquitous computing describes technology that will be integrated deep in the very fabric of our lives - embedded into everyday objects and scenarios. Already, we can buy smart phones, smart furniture and appliances, even smart clothing - gesture recognition (like that seen in Minority Report) is now a reality, and RFID tags are embedded in everything from oyster cards to pets. As this kind of technology evolves, we are also presented with opportunities to use it to control and adapt our environments. As a result, the urban landscape is becoming increasingly connected by technology; from CCTV cameras, sensor-equipped bus stops, to networked street signs and bollards. 

In this talk, Adam Greenfield discusses the pros and cons of such technologies, and addresses the impact they will have on cities and the people in them. Drawing on ideas from his book, Everyware: The Dawning Age of Ubiquitous Computing, Adam discusses the social, psychological, and political implications of this kind of invisible technology, and addresses the underlying moral and ethical implications of an increasingly networked world.

Adam Greenfield is an American writer, information architect, and designer. He is considered to be one of the leading thinkers in the information architecture and user experience professions. In both his writing and his talks, Adam frequently addresses next-generation computing, with special expertise in the social, ethical and design implications of ubiquitous or pervasive computing.

In association with Digital Cultures Research Centre, UWE and the Pervasive Media Studio.

Read references and related online content from this talk on Storify

Related Links:
Adam Greenfield
Mark Weiser's The Computer for the 21st Century
Festival of Ideas

    

Posted on Mon 9 May 2011.

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