FBL113: Isabel Pedersen - The Adoption of Embodied Computing
Aug 21, 2023
auto_awesome
Isabel Pedersen, a professor specializing in wearables and embodied computing, discusses the continuum of embodiment and its impacts on technology adoption and society. The podcast explores the evolution of embodied computing, ethical design considerations in computer science, surprising adoption trends, integration of social science and humanities, and potential impacts of brain implants.
Embodied computing focuses on how computers are carried or worn by individuals, including mobile phones, smart watches, heads-up displays, and implantables.
The discourse around technology has shifted, leading to increased adoption of wearable devices, but it is crucial to consider potential harms and societal impacts.
Deep dives
The Continuum of Embodiment and the Study of Wearables
This podcast episode features Isabelle Peterson, a professor and director of the Digital Life Institute at Ontario Tech University. Peterson specializes in the study of wearables, embodied computing, and similar technologies. The episode explores the continuum of embodiment, starting with the defining characteristics of the field and delving into its various manifestations and advancements over the years. Peterson discusses the impact of embodied technology, including topics like the rhetoric and linguistic impacts of technology discourse, the societal implications of these technologies, and more.
Embodied Computing: From Wearables to Ambient Interfaces
Peterson explains that embodied computing is a human-centered design model that focuses on how computers are carried or worn by individuals. The research area covers various components on and around the body, including mobile phones, smart watches, heads-up displays for augmented reality, and even implantables. The discussion highlights the interaction between humans and computer components in these different forms of embodied computing and the potential consequences of such interactions.
The Continuum of Embodiment and the Progression of Technologies
The podcast explores the continuum of embodiment in computing technologies over the past two decades. It notes that the development of wearables and implantables predates the popularity of mobile phones, yet it took time for these advanced technologies to become widely adopted. However, the discourse around technology has shifted as people have become more accustomed to wearing devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers. The conversation also touches on the importance of considering potential harms and social impacts as these technologies continue to evolve.
Examining Technology Rhetoric and Ethical Design
The podcast delves into the rhetoric and semiotics surrounding technology, discussing how language and messaging influence the adoption and perception of different technologies. Peterson emphasizes the importance of considering not only the motives behind technology design but also the potential social and ethical implications. The conversation highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical considerations in design to ensure that technology development aligns with user needs and societal values.
Our guest is professor and director of the Digital Life Institute at Ontario Tech University, Isabel Pedersen, who specializes in the study of wearables, embodied computing, and similar technologies.
In this episode, we take a tour through what Isabel calls the continuum of embodiment, starting with the defining characteristics of the field, exploring its many manifestations and advancements over the decades, and even looking into the future when we may see applications such as brain computer interfaces. Along the way we discuss the impacts of embodied technology, including topics like the impacts of rhetoric on design and adoption of technology, the societal impacts, and much much more.