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Pervasive technology as scaffolds for mindful living: reframing calm technology

Wolf, E.R.B. de (2021) Pervasive technology as scaffolds for mindful living: reframing calm technology.

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Abstract:Ubiquitous computing, the term coined by computer scientist Mark Weiser at Xerox PARC in 1988, refers to the vision that information technology will one day be so ingrained in our lives that it will be seamlessly embedded in our everyday environments. Embedding new contexts of communication in everyday objects means that our lives will be more strongly guided by digital information. At the same time, science has shown that mindfulness has many benefits in health and well-being. Given that technology will become more pervasive in the future, how can we design technological artefacts in a way which does not contribute to the trend of mindlessness but instead brings mindfulness into the equation? In this research project, we explore how a pervasive technology artefact can improve well-being by supporting moments of mindfulness. As a case study, we developed a mindfulness intervention called Bloom·e – a combination of an ambient artefact and smartphone app – which facilitates Stoic reflection exercises. Bloom·e was deployed in three home studies to gain insight into Bloom·e’s potential as a well-being intervention. This is followed by a critical analysis of calm technology and the development of a calm technology framework. We conclude by highlighting several opportunities for future work.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:EEMCS: Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
Subject:08 philosophy, 21 art forms, 54 computer science, 77 psychology
Programme:Interaction Technology MSc (60030)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/88238
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