Abstract
This article describes a novel visual metaphor to communicate the sensor information of a connected device. The Internet of Things (IoT) aims to extend sensing and computing capabilities to every device. A byproduct of this is that even domestic machines become increasingly complex and more difficult to understand and maintain.
We present a prototype of a coffee machine outfitted with sensors. The machine streams the sensor data, which are picked up by an augmented-reality (AR) application conceived as a metaphor from nature. The metaphor, BioAR, represents the status derived from the coffee machine sensors in the form of a three-dimensional (3-D) virtual tree. The tree is meant to serve as a living proxy of the machine it represents. The metaphor, shown by using either AR or a simple holographic display, reacts to user manipulation of the device.
A first user study validated that the representation was correctly understood and that it inspired emotional connection with the machine. A second study confirmed that the metaphor scaled to a large number of such devices.
We present a prototype of a coffee machine outfitted with sensors. The machine streams the sensor data, which are picked up by an augmented-reality (AR) application conceived as a metaphor from nature. The metaphor, BioAR, represents the status derived from the coffee machine sensors in the form of a three-dimensional (3-D) virtual tree. The tree is meant to serve as a living proxy of the machine it represents. The metaphor, shown by using either AR or a simple holographic display, reacts to user manipulation of the device.
A first user study validated that the representation was correctly understood and that it inspired emotional connection with the machine. A second study confirmed that the metaphor scaled to a large number of such devices.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 90-98 |
Journal | IEEE Consumer Electronics Magazine |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 9 Apr 2018 |