Paul Dourish Knihy

Fifteen years after Weiser’s influential paper in Scientific American, ubiquitous computing has evolved into a thriving field of academic research and commercial innovation. The proceedings from the 8th International Conference on Ubiquitous Computing showcase the strength and diversity of the research program initiated by Weiser. The conference's location in Orange County, California, was particularly fitting, as it allowed for reflection on various implementations and visions of ubiquitous computing worldwide, linking back to last year’s event in Tokyo, Japan. The local software and entertainment industries highlight key concerns in recent research, such as mobile and ubiquitous gaming. Additionally, the unique metropolitan environment of the Los Angeles region serves as a valuable backdrop for developing research agendas in urban computing. While the proceedings do not include papers on surfing-based Ubicomp, the cultural emphasis on healthy lifestyles in Southern California connects to significant application areas for ubiquitous computing technologies, particularly in addressing aging and health concerns. We hope the papers presented will inspire new and exciting work as we advance together in the field of ubiquitous computing.

The philosophical underpinnings of human-computer interaction and their consequences for future design.