Of maps and guidebooks

Abstract

The physical environment plays a large role in the design and use of technology. So called "context-aware" systems use ultrasound, GPS or cell-tracking, to work out their position and infer something of their context [9]. These systems offer the possibility of technology which responds better to the environments it is in [4], and also technologies which interact with the physical world in new ways [5]. Through these developments technology is increasingly taking on a geographical aspect, as it both disappears into the environment, and in turn make increasing use of that environment.Along with this work there is increasing interest in a more conceptual consideration of how we interact with the physical environment, and how we might think about the relationship of the environment to technology [11]. As HCI conceptualised the user, and CSCW, collaborative activity, with these new technologies there is a need to consider the physical environment and the role that geography could play in technology use and design. In this paper we discuss through these issues using the concepts of "space" and "place" from human geography. Our aim here is to inform design through developing a conceptual understanding of the geography of technology; something lacking in many discussions of context-awareness. If we are to design new technologies for the city, how is the city experienced and what form does in take? In particular how can we design technologies that take better account of the physical location of users, and their movements?