Disembedding computers: interfacing ubiquitous computers

In this paper we look at four different interpretations of the term ‘Ubiquitous Computing’ many computers; people using them much of the time; embedded computers, and ‘invisible’ systems and consider how the two more specialist interpretations are being undermined by the other two. We explain how the increased manifestation of computers in our environment alters the ways in which we should consider how to design ubiquitous systems. There are some specific implications for design of interfaces to artefacts containing embedded computers and these are discussed in the context of recent work on Projected Cognition.