Innovation and Wearable Computing: A Proposed Collaborative Policy Design Framework

The rapidly expanding market for wearable computing devices (wearables), driven by the confluence of information and communication technology and public acceptance of a design aesthetic, suggests nearly limitless potential for consumer uses. As adoption of wearables spreads, there are cultural and s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inIEEE internet computing Vol. 19; no. 5; pp. 18 - 25
Main Authors Baker, P. M. A., Gandy, Maribeth, Zeagler, Clint
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published IEEE 01.09.2015
Subjects
Collaboration
Context modeling
Cultural differences
design for wearability
Internet/Web technologies
Privacy
Public policy
public policy issues
social issues
Wearable computers
Wireless communication
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Summary:The rapidly expanding market for wearable computing devices (wearables), driven by the confluence of information and communication technology and public acceptance of a design aesthetic, suggests nearly limitless potential for consumer uses. As adoption of wearables spreads, there are cultural and social impacts that represent both barriers and opportunities, with subsequent public policy ramifications. All too often designers, technologists, and policymakers operate independently; consequently, often products are out of sync, lack interoperability, or are hindered by well-meaning (but obstructive) policy. This article proposes a collaborative policy design framework, based on initial trials undertaken at a multidisciplinary collaborative engineering center, the Wireless Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center. The proposed collaborative policy design process will enhance the development of wearable devices and guide interdisciplinary collaborators as they explore the various implications and effects of device design in social, technological, and regulatory contexts.
ISSN:1089-7801
1941-0131
DOI:10.1109/MIC.2015.74