Tools for Living and Tools for Learning

This paper interweaves the notions of distributed intelligence and scaffolding with fading in discussing the nature of the modes of use of artifacts as tools, particularly computational artifacts. We introduce the notions of tools for living and tools for learning as parts of a framework for evaluating how artifacts are used and as broad guidelines for the design of artifacts. The tools concept is then studied in the context of the Memory Aiding Prompting System (MAPS) for supporting persons with cognitive disabilities in daily living tasks. Finally, the paper investigates the cultural implications of the use of both kinds of artifacts.