Daniel Michelis

The Web of augmented physical objects

This article investigates the growing complexity and connectivity between two former separated interaction spaces - the real and the virtual world. It is our attempt to augment the physical world to a world of digitally augmented objects. Moreover we are looking at real products tagged with digital communication units like embedded systems or the RFID technology. To understand these impacts we need to identify the different levels of connectivity between real and virtual worlds and therefore the relationship of a product with its digital counterpart. As a point of departure we define the terms medium and agent to get a theoretical view on the associations in the real and virtual world. We identify the digital identification of virtually enhanced products as a main part for the creation of a new networked physical world where real products are heavily connected to and with their digital counterparts.

The disappearing screen: scenarios for audible interfaces

The world of ubiquitous computing, which by definition includes mobile devices of every kind, leads us to an era of small computer devices, usable in everyday situations. Computers are becoming smaller and operate discreetly in the background. This paper deals with the disappearance of the screen that is described and specified according to Lev Manovich. In doing research on radio frequency identification, this paper shows one possible way to interact with ubiquitous computers—primarily exploring suitability and scenarios for audible interfaces. The paper describes a research project of the University of Arts Berlin and the University of St. Gallen and proposes future research questions.

The disappearance of the screen: research on audible interfaces in the ubiquitous computing environment

The world of ubiquitous computing, which by definition includes mobile devices of every kind, leads us to an era of small computer devices, usable in everyday situations. Computers are becoming smaller and operate discreetly in the background. This paper deals with the disappearance of screen that is described and specified according to Lev Manovich. In doing research on radio frequency identification (RFID), this paper shows one possible way to interact with ubiquitous computers - primarily exploring audible interfaces. The paper describes a research project of the University of Arts Berlin and the University of St. Gallen and proposes future research questions.

Verortung von Daten. Eine prototypische Untersuchung mit RFID (Locative Data. Prototype Research with RFID)

Zusammenfassung Der vorliegende Beitrag behandelt die Möglichkeiten des Wissendesigns an der Schwelle zwischen Bildschirm und physischem Raum, der durch die Anreicherung mit digitalen Informationen eine neue Aufwertung erhält. Mit der Extrapolation der Entwicklung des Screens, dessen zentrale Stellung als Interface mit der Verbreitung alternativer Interaktionstechnologien abnimmt, lassen sich neue Formen der physischen Interaktion zwischen Mensch und Computer erahnen. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird im Anschluss an eine theoretische Einführung in die Mediengeschichte des User-Interface nach Manovich ein Kunst- und Forschungsprojekt beschrieben, das Möglichkeiten von RFID als zukünftiges Interface prototypisch untersucht. Summary This paper treats the possibilities of knowledge design at the interface between screen and physical world, which can be enriched by digital information. The screen is the classical human-computer-interface but is losing significance as alternative interaction-technologies emerge. An extrapolation of the screen′s development can be used to anticipate new forms of physical interaction between humans and the computer. In this context the historical and future development of the screen as described by Manovich will be introduced. Based on Manovich′s approach an art and research project will be presented, which examines possibilities of RFID-technology as future interface prototypically.

Alice through the inter-face electronic mirrors as human-computer-interface

This article describes the multi-media installation Magical Mirrors with which the tradition of the mirror, as an interface between real and virtual worlds is carried over into the world of digital mediums. Long before the development of the computer, mirrors were used as a medium for visual simulation and with them virtual worlds have already been simulated for hundreds of years. The ability to capture the real world and reflect it back in a true to life or even distorted way was for a long time the sole privilege of the mirror. Today this ability is emulated via digital media technologies, such as the installation Magical Mirrors.