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2.3. Towards a Methodology for Ubiquitous and Wearable Computing
27
the individual user and social interaction are beyond the scope due to complexity.
Future work has to show how crucial those shortcomings will be.
Paradigms for the Development of Wearable Computers proposes an ap-
proach that not only considers the user but also the modality of the system
[
Baber
et al. 1999
]
. Step one, requirements specification, comprises general requirements
pertinent to wearable computing and issues derived from human factors such as us-
ability, appropriateness, information representation etc. In a second step a scenario
is used to give a short description of work activity. This involves interviews and
with focus group discussions. Specific issues are further rated due to their impor-
tance. Rankings are used to prioritize the particular requirements. In step three,
option reduction, pros and cons of possible designs are considered. Requirements
are matched to particular modality combinations and rated. The application of a
selection criterion based on the binomial theorem, determines whether an option
should be taken to the next step. In the final phase, step four, a working prototype
is build and evaluated by end users. If the design fails to meet one of the evaluation
criteria, it requires modification. Main focus of this approach is to map appropriate
modalities to particular user requirements.
This is a very systematic approach towards matching available system modalities in
a best possible way to the users’ requirements. Again, there is pertinent danger of
too strong dependence on the user: the user may rule out modalities that do not
(yet) make sense for his established routines. However, the way of presenting a great
selection of opportunities the user can choose from is a promising way of inspiration.
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