Using Interface Design Standards to Support Pervasive Computing

By definition, pervasive computing should support endless expressions of varying interfaces, contexts and automation. As pervasive computing becomes more prevalent, it is important that designers build systems in support of unique, in-use and user-defined characteristics. We explore this expressiveness and propose the use of existing technologies to enhance it. We investigate the impact of interface design standards on two essential aspects of pervasive computing: device independence and usability. Our findings suggest that the application of proper interface design standards can improve data delivery across independent devices with varied bandwidth and resource availability, thereby providing device independence and improved usability respectively. We demonstrate that through their effect on device independence and usability, interface design standards play an important role in the evolution, expansion and expressiveness of pervasive computing.