FlexiWall - The design and development of a prototype system that integrates Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, architecture and mobile interaction

In this paper we present the final step of our Internet of Things (IoT) project called FlexiWall. On an overall level, FlexiWall is a fully working prototype system in the form of an interactive wall element that demonstrates how IoT technologies can be seamlessly integrated in our built environment. In this paper we present the background and the design of the FlexiWall prototype, and we suggest that the FlexiWall prototype demonstrate how Internet of Things (IoT) technologies can be embedded in the everyday architecture of a building as an ambient information display, or as an embedded surface for interaction. Further on, we suggest that FlexiWall works as an illustration of how technologies can be seamlessly embedded in our everyday environments, how it materializes interaction in our built environment, and how the Internet of Things open up new opportunities for systems design the ranges from mobile solutions, to embedded solutions, to interaction across mobile and embedded systems in these new environments. In short and if now directing our attention to the design part of our project as reported in this paper we view the FlexiWall prototype as an interactive, flexible, and wood-based wall element that can bend as to form the light that shines through it as to display different patterns. As such, FlexiWall illustrates a novel ambient display that can be fully embedded in the architecture of a building. We present the background of this design project, including our method that rely on a concept-driven approach to interaction design, and we also present how we draw on theories of light design in architecture in the design of FlexiWall. Further on, we present how our work is related to some existing work in this area, and we present the design and implementation of this interactive wall. Having presented this project we discuss how our work adds to the current body of research within the area of the Internet of Things and mobile interaction with embedded systems before concluding the paper

Mobility in the Wild Social aspects of mobile work: A framework for further research and design

We report ongoing research in search of characteristics of mobile work and use of mobile ICT (information and communication technologies) to support such work. Based on an empirical investigation of the work of mobile service technicians at Telia Nära, we outline five areas of social interaction where mobility changes fundamental aspects of the work

Pragmatizing the Normative Artifact: Design Science Research in Scandinavia and Beyond

In this panel report, we analyze the discussion that unfolded during the “Design Science Research: A Scandinavian Approach?” panel held at the third Scandinavian Conference on Information Systems in Sigtuna, Sweden, in August, 2012. The second author of this paper chaired the panel, which also included Tone Bratteteig, Shirley Gregor, Ola Henfridsson, Alan Hevner, Jan Pries-Heje, and Tuure Tuunanen as panelists. Three themes that highlight how the design of artifacts contributes to knowledge production emerged during the panel. The first theme addresses our responsibility, as a research community, to come up not only with descriptions of the world but also to try to change things into preferable states. The second theme emphasizes that knowledge production also happens through the design of artifacts. The third theme identifies an apparent pragmatic turn in our discipline

Designing to Restory the Past: Storytelling for Empowerment through a Digital Archive

Storytelling is a frequently used approach to design. Stories and storytelling also have a role in mediating information and contributing to people\u27s understanding of the world around them. Previous research suggests that storytelling can be empowering to marginalized and diverse communities, such as Indigenous peoples, by offering a platform to voice their (hi)stories. In this paper, we present a research through design project in which we explore the design of the living archive. This is a web-based digital archive that encourages a user-based approach to restorying the past by focusing on storytelling for empowerment and involving members of Indigenous People, the Sami. We demonstrate how a digital archive can contribute to (re)storying the past in a manner that preserves Indigenous ways of knowing and ethical archiving of social memory. Through this archive, we provide the digital tools for the communities to take on the role to tell their truth and, in doing so, become central in the design and communication of their own stories. In short, design for storytelling to empower those who need a voice

Effects of Timing of Nerve Injury and Repair in Neonatal and Adult Brachial Plexus Injury Models

Brachial plexus Injury causes severe and long-term upper limb deficits at any age. The outcome from current reconstructive options depends on the severity of nerve injury and timing of intervention. This chapter summarises the differing biological responses to nerve injury that occur during neonatal, young adult and mature adult life. The central and peripheral reactions to nerve injury, the effects of timing of repair on both motor and sensory neuronal survival and basic science evidence to support early intervention are discussed