Utilizing mobile phones as ambient information displays

Mobile phones have become a ubiquitous technology and for many people a daily companion, primarily used for communication and information access. The fact that the phone is accompanying the user makes it an interesting platform for building applications that utilize the phone as an ambient display. We explore the domain of ambient displays and persuasive technology with regard to communication. In this paper we first analyze the technical capabilities of mobile phones that can support the collection of information. Then we present designs of how the screen saver on a phone can raise users' awareness of their personal communication behavior.