An activity-based perspective of interacting with ambient intelligence systems

In terms of user experience, human - computer interaction in the context of Ambient Intelligence greatly differs from earlier interaction paradigms. This paper aims to highlight the characteristics of Ambient Intelligence systems with regard to user experience. To that end, relevant literature is reviewed and a number of theoretical approaches that deal with human activity in a fluid physical and social context are explored, with an emphasis on Activity Theory. In an attempt to describe the common ground between these approaches and to emphasise the importance of social (as opposed to strictly technical) factors that affect the use of Ambient Intelligence, this paper proposes a model that describes the act of interacting with such systems and the role of the physical and social context. The proposed model is mainly based on Activity Theory, but also incorporates compatible elements from other frameworks. This paper also discusses some issues that ensue from the proposed model and the theories that contributed to its formulation.