User-Centred Design and Development of Future Smart Systems: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

A user-centred approach to the design and development of future smartsystems won�t guarantee their success, but if the user isn�t takencarefully into consideration during development, the probabilityof failure will be much higher. An ethnographic approach to designresearch will provide insights into what people value in order tohelp us create technological solutions that uniquely meet those needs.The potential exists to simplify our interactions with technologyand make it more transparent. AmI allows us to create systems thatfacilitate actual human contact versus virtual contact; create systemsthat clarify instead of confuse; and take into consideration universaland sustainable design principles. However, we are confronted withthe design challenge of creating new conventions of interface forusers to understand and to adapt. The technology itself needs tounderstand input vs. noise, give feedback to a user when a screenmay not be present and understand the context a person is in at anygiven moment. Ambient intelligence promises to make our lives better.But what does that actually mean? A state of flow is achieved whenwe are confronted with a task that provides enough challenge forour current skill level. Provide too much challenge for level ofskill and you experience anxiety. Provide a challenge well belowthe level of skill of an individual and you induce boredom. As technologyis employed more and more to reduce our daily challenges are we creatingproducts and services that lead to a better life? Should we be purposelyapproaching design for self-actualisation?