From human-computer interaction to human-environment interaction: Ambient intelligence and the disappearing computer

In this keynote, I argue for a transition from designing Human-Computer Interaction to Human-Environment Interaction. This is done in the context of ambient intelligence and the disappearing computer, and the resulting challenges for designing interaction in future smart environments. Our approach is based on exploiting the affordances of real objects by augmenting their physical properties with the potential of computer-based support. Combining the best of both worlds requires an integration of real and virtual worlds resulting in hybrid worlds. In this approach, the computer "disappears" and is almost "invisible", but its functionality is ubiquitously available and provides new forms of interaction. The general comments are illustrated with examples from different projects.