Giving Files Behaviours

Abstract

To improve Personal Information Management (PIM), we propose to extend static files in static file systems by augmenting documents with controllable and programmable behavioural properties. Files with behaviours may aid the user by reacting to their actions, common tasks, and other files; e.g. the document dances when a report reaches the word-limit; when a document is added to a directory, the files investigate each other, to establish their own new relationships. We propose potential file behaviours and identify key research questions, such as maintaining effective user control, and finding the right level of file autonomy.