Design Challenges for Wearable Computing

Abstract

This paper suggests a specific theoretical understanding for the concept of wearable computing. This understanding is inspired by Polanyi’s theory of tacit knowledge and is also in line with a number of established theories on human-machine interaction. One way of stating tacit knowledge theory is that the capacity to carry out skilful human activities is at least partially implicit to their performance. The paper argues that the specific potential of wearable computing lies in integrating with such skilful activities and that their tacit character makes for a number of corresponding design challenges. A few major directions for addressing these challenges are outlined.