Calm Tech Patterns

Definition

A pattern in Calm Technology is a reusable solution to common design challenges in creating technology that moves smoothly between the center and periphery of attention. Here are ten fundamental patterns with clear examples of how they work in practice.

Each pattern follows key principles of Calm Technology:

• The ability to move between center and periphery of attention
• The use of our natural perceptual abilities
• Clear mapping between action and effect
• Appropriate levels of feedback for the information's importance

1. Status Tone

• Definition: A simple auditory signal that communicates state changes or needs attention.
• Example: A tea kettle's whistle communicates readiness through a distinct tone that can be heard peripherally but doesn't demand immediate action. The tone becomes increasingly noticeable only if ignored, naturally drawing attention when needed.

2. Pass Through

• Definition: Tools that become transparent in use, allowing users to focus on their task rather than the tool itself.
• Example: Eyeglasses demonstrate this perfectly - when working well, we look through them, not at them. The consciousness of the wearer passes through the tool to focus on what they're viewing.

3. Haptic Alert

• Definition: Information conveyed through touch, utilizing our high-resolution tactile sensing abilities.
• Example: A smart posture device that gently vibrates when you slouch, providing feedback without interrupting visual or auditory attention. The physical sensation is immediately understood but doesn't demand conscious focus.

4. Status Light

• Definition: Simple visual indicators that communicate state without requiring active attention.
• Example: The recording light on a video camera - a clear red dot that can be perceived peripherally but doesn't distract from the task of filming. The light naturally draws attention only when its state changes.

5. Environmental Status

• Definition: Using environmental qualities to convey information without explicit signals.
• Example: An inner office window that allows people to understand availability without interrupting - the environment itself communicates the information through natural perception.

6. Universal Indicator

• Definition: Signals that communicate across language and cultural boundaries.
• Example: The airplane lavatory sign with its simple occupied/vacant display - immediately understood regardless of language or cultural background through basic visual pattern recognition.

7. Timed Trigger

• Definition: State changes based on natural rhythms or patterns rather than demanding manual attention.
• Example: Smart lighting that gradually shifts color temperature throughout the day, supporting circadian rhythms without requiring conscious awareness or interaction.

8. Natural Mapping

• Definition: Controls that match natural physical or conceptual relationships.
• Example: A volume knob that turns clockwise to increase - the physical movement maps naturally to our mental model of "more" and "less," requiring no conscious thought to operate.

9. Status Shout

• Definition: Urgent signals reserved for truly important information that requires immediate attention.
• Example: A smoke alarm's distinct sound pattern - impossible to ignore when active but completely absent when not needed, with the urgency of the signal matching the importance of the information.

10. Ambient Display

• Definition: Information presented in a way that can be monitored peripherally without active attention.
• Example: A light bulb that changes color based on weather forecasts - the information is available at a glance but doesn't demand attention, allowing users to check it naturally when relevant to their needs.

Further Reading

• Weiser, Mark and Brown, John Seely. "The Coming Age of Calm Technology" (1996)
• Norman, Donald. "The Design of Everyday Things" (1988)
• Gibson, James J. "The Ecological Approach to Visual Perception" (1979)