Difference between revisions of "Calm Computing"

Latest revision as of 18:16, 19 May 2014

Definition

Calm computing is a state of technological maturity where a user's primary task is not computing, but where computing augments and brings relevant information to the experience. Rather than focusing on computing and data, calm computing places emphasis on people and tasks.

The terms "calm computing" and "calm technology" were coined by PARC Researcher Mark Weiser in reaction to the increasing complexities that information technologies were creating. He felt that the promise of computing systems was that they might "simplify complexities, not introduce new ones".^[1] He believed that this would lead to an era of "calm technology," in which technology, rather than panicking us, would help us focus on what is really important to us.^[2].

Weiser believed that ubiquitous computing would lead to an era of "calm technology," in which technology, rather than panicking us, will help us focus on what is really important to us".^[3] Weiser felt that calm technology would appear when needed and recede into the background when finished with.

In the 1980’s, Xerox Parc researcher Mark Weiser talked about “the inevitable withdrawal of the computer from the desktop and into a host of old and new devices, including coffeepots, watches, microwave ovens, and copying machines. These researchers saw the computer as growing in power while withdrawing as a presence".^[4]

Related Reading

• Ubiquitous Computing
• CalmTechnology.com

References

1. ↑ Begole, Bo. Ubiquitous Computing for Business. FT Press, 2011. Pg. 12.
2. ↑ Want, Roy. Biography of Mark Weiser. Xerox PARC. http://www-sul.stanford.edu/weiser/Bio.html
3. ↑ Want, Roy. A Ubiquitous Life. Bio of Mark Weiser. http://www-sul.stanford.edu/weiser/Bio.html Created 29 April 1999. Accessed Jul 2011.
4. ↑ Mosco, Vincent. Revisiting The Digital Sublime Myth, Power, and Cyberspace. MIT Press Cambridge, Massachusetts, London, England. 2004.