Innovative Application Development for Ubiquitous and Wearable Computing

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Abstract: This thesis presents a new method to develop and introduce ubiquitous and wearable mputing applications in real-world settings. In particular, this thesis lists and discusses a set of requirements in order to overcome the tension between user-center methods and the introduction of radically new concepts and technology.
Based upon these requirements, a detailed review is presented over established development processes in the fields of software engineering, software design, user-centered design, and participatory design. One major finding is that cooperation with users during the development is necessary. But too close cooperation with users and, more generally, with stakeholders involved may also hinder radically new developments: Stakeholders are trapped into their daily routines, which may sometimes suppress the ability to envision concepts that radically depart from today. Two case studies are presented that followed a technology-driven approach (proactive furniture assembly) and a classical user-centered design approach (for doctors). It is reflected on why these projects failed, what could be learned from the experience, and how these findings inspired the design of the proposed X'treme Prototyping approach.
The proposed notion of X'treme Prototyping aims at creating serious and, most importantly innovative ubiquitous and wearable computing applications in cooperation with users and stakeholders. A deliberate use of prototypes, referred to as X'treme Prototypes, is proposed and evaluated as a valid method to achieve this goal. In addition to that, two approaches, referred to as sensor-opportunities-based and artifact-based approach, are presented that provide technical aid for rapid developments of ubiquitous and wearable computing applications.
Furthermore, two case studies of introducing wearable sensing technology to avalanche rescue and professional downhill skiing are described. Both studies discuss the experiences we gained by applying X'treme Prototyping in practice. Both studies show and discuss the feasibility of the presented approach.

Bibtex Record

@phdthesis{michahelles04_diss,
  title =        {{Innovative Application Development for Ubiquitous and Wearable Computing}},
  author =       {Florian Michahelles},
  institution = {{Swiss Federal Institute for Technology (ETH)}},
  type = "{PhD} (Dr. sc. techn.) Dissertation",
  year =         {2004},
  booktitle =    {p_conf},
  address =      {Perceptual Computing \& Computer Vision Group,
                  Institute for Scientific Computing, ETH Zurich, Switzerland},
  month = {December}
}