Accountable interaction. Exploring interactional features of technology in use

Abstract: Today we have computers in all kind of work places, and it is a fairly common artefact in many homes. What becomes an interesting topic when computers end up in everyday occasions and used by people who are not necessarily computer experts is how the user interface should be designed to be rendered practically useful. This thesis explores part of this problem by looking into the details of how we use technology and artifacts in our everyday activities and utilizes the insights for developing design concepts. Of particular interest is concept development for user interfaces that goes beyond the traditional desktop computer setup with a screen, keyboard and mouse as tools for interaction. The work relies on an ethnographic approach to get an understanding of moment-by-moment use of technology. Fields like Ubiquitous Computing and Computer Supported Cooperative Work are great sources for inspiration when it comes both to theoretical insights and visions about future use of computers.