Calm Technology
Do you ever seem so overwhelmed by the unrelenting stream of online information coming your way that you wish you could just slow it down? Well, take a deep breath and relax. Emerging media has got you covered with a technology program called Calm Technology.
Calm Technology, otherwise known as ubiquitous computing, is nothing new. The precursor to this technology can be seen in the way we manually pick and choose who we follow on Twitter. However, the difference in the technology we use today and Calm Technology of tomorrow will be that Calm Technology will be able to determine what information the user receives by the informational choices they make and then slow that data down to only include the information they desire to lessen information overload and increase functionality.
“Calm technology refers to applications that cut down on the digital noise of high-volume data to show the user only enough information so that he or she is able to focus on a task. Mark Weiser is considered to be the father of “ubiquitous computing,” a synonym for calm technology. The whole idea is to reduce distractions to our workflow without losing functionality. Weiser postulated that we should not be seeking to enter the virtual world by shopping in 3D environments, but that digital technology should enter our lives in such a way as to make it calmer and easier, not more distracted and disrupted, thus blurring the line between digital and real life experiences” (Wright, 2012).
So, if you are suffering from technology fatigue, don’t fret. Calm Technology will soon have your back!
References
DocStoc. (n.d.) [Image]. Retrieved from Ubiquitous Computing: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/106186591/Ubiquitous-Computing
Jonker, T. (2010, July 19). School Library Journal. [Image]. Retrieved from Link Du Jour KEEP CALM AND…:http://100scopenotes.com/2010/07/19/link-du-jour-keep-calm-and/
Witty Sparks. (n.d.) [Image]. Retrieved May 05, 2013 from http://www.wittysparks.com/2012/11/01/five-new-digital-trends/
Wright, M. (2012, June 21). Mashable Social Media. Retrieved from 5 Digital Trends Shaping the Consumer Experience: http://mashable.com/2012/06/21/trends-consumer-experience-economy/
Two and a Half Cents 
May 5, 2013 at 9:22 pm
Hi Gloria,
This is a very interesting read because I have not heard of this new medium yet. While reading your post, I could not help but think about advertisers “breaking through the clutter.” I learned this notion while in the IMC program and it is a group of words that describes the world of advertising and marketing today. There are so many different mediums, different ways people take in information, and advertisers/marketers are constantly thinking of different and creative ways to reach out to consumers. There are also advertisements every now billboards, in the subway, on trains, buses…the list is endless.
I can see calm technology aiding marketers to pinpoint how their target market is viewing information and this can lead to a better understanding on how to target a certain market.
May 8, 2013 at 8:07 pm
I love, love, love this idea. I can’t see the path to making it a reality, but I desperately hope that it happens – and soon! I appreciate emerging media, enjoy social networking, am thrilled to be living in the information age and able to find out anything at any time. AND I am overwhelmed by the amount of information. Sometimes I am overwhelmed by the information itself as well. For example, was there really any way to avoid the constant barrage of information surrounding the Boston Marathon bombings? Just in case hearing the story one time a day was enough for you?
I look at my facebook page everyday because I want to keep up with what is going on with my network of friends, and also to manage the three pages that are my responsibility, but everytime I get on there, I lose an hour of my life and am pulled in 25 different directions.
I definitely think that in this age of ADD, we need to balance life a little more with focused tasks, with mindfulness, and with calm – even in technology. I will keep my fingers crossed that the brilliant people working on this find a way to make it mainstream ASAP!!!