Smart Jacket as a Collaborative Tangible User Interface in Crisis Management

Collaborative AmI technologies have the potential to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of rescuers during crisis response work. However, few AmI technologies are designed specifically for such scenarios. Our findings from a number of case studies have resulted in a set of requirements. In this paper we present some of these findings. We then present a second generation AmI tool that was developed to support our users. The tool is a jacket equipped with a number of sensors/actuators allowing coordinators to draw the attention of rescuers in the field and to provide them information and commands. The tool is currently undergoing evaluation in collaboration with our users.