Presence and IntComm WG

[Ben Teitelbaum <>]

Very cool applications of presence and ubiquitous computing...

http://dsonline.computer.org/0403/f/b1gei.htm
and
http://dsonline.computer.org/0403/f/b1van.htm
The authors of "Gust of Me: Reconnecting Mother and Son" describe one
such artifact: the Gustbowl. In technological terms, Gustbowls are
relatively straightforward; pairs of networked bowls exchange
information (specifically pictures) about their contents. The team
from Delft University of Technology created the system to help parents
and children living apart recreate the everyday experience of children
returning home. Using focus groups, the team identified that parents
whose children have flown the nest sorely miss these moments and that
existing communication systems such as the telephone don't provide an
appropriate substitute. Gustbowls provide one solution to the
problem. Through careful design and attention to detail, the team
created a communications system that both parents and children have
enthusiastically embraced and that can offer moments of quality time
to families who live physically separate lives.