The Role of Wearables in Social Navigation

Wearable computers are worn on the body and mostly hands-free computer systems. These new devices will facilitate new ways of supporting collaboration and social navigation in what we call wearable-supported collaborative work (WSCW). WSCW systems make it possible to remain closely in touch with the work while still accessing shared information resources and collaborating with others in the physical space augmented with information. Such systems are contrasted to the PC-based computer-supported co-operative work (CSCW) systems where the windowed interface is the main interaction channel. We discuss modes of usage, implications for communication, and illustrate this with scenarios from our work with tourist applications and police officers fieldwork. Finally some interesting areas for future WSCW research are given, and we outline some useful design components.