Graphic design & ubiquitous graphic user interfaces; The Third Wave of Computing

Abstract

Graphic design is an integral component of user interface design. Ubiquitous computing is the a form of computing that is "everywhere all the time" through technology advances in hardware, software, and communication networks. Consumers are able to retrieve and send information whenever a task needs to be completed. Graphic design is part of the visual mechanism through which people interact with devices. The visual interactive components of these devices are the part of computing systems that are addressed in this project. This thesis addresses the problems that arise when people need to interact with several devices at a given time. The goal is to make the experience of an imaging appliance as enjoyable and useful as possible. Graphic design is the key component in the visual communication aspect of these devices. The ideas used in the scenarios that are described in the ideation stage assume that future technologies are mainstream and used by the mass consumer. Although these assumptions may or may not come to fruition, graphic design will still be a integral part of that user experience.