We have invited Studio residents Tom Metcalfe, Simon Moreton and Tim Senior to share with us their insights working on user experience within the Internet of Things (IoT).

Ubicomp, IoT or connected-objects have existed for years and have been predominantly explored by engineers and technologists in labs. But times are changing and now everyone has the opportunity to contribute.

Technologies that connect objects to the internet are becoming more accessible and as this happens, people with knowledge outside of just digital or IoT, can bring their expertise to these emerging technologies.

This talk will highlight the importance of material culture; the stories mediated through objects and how updatable content provided through the Internet, can enhance and not detract from the experience with objects. It will also emphasise the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations in the exploration of emerging technologies, and in particular, UX with connected-objects.

Tom is a designer and the producer of REACT Objects Sandbox. He produces products and prototypes to explore human experiences with emerging technologies, specifically connected objects in the Internet of Things.

Simon is Research Fellow at REACT. He is interested in politics, practices and spaces of creativity. He is also an artist and zine maker. 

Tim is an independent scholar and artist, researching how traditional forms of disciplinary activity might be better opened up to new collaborative influences. He is currently working on a policy paper for REACT exploring the role of the Arts and Humanities in the design of Internet of Things.

This is a pre-run of a shorter version talk that Tom Metcalfe will deliver at O’Reilly Solid Conference in San Francisco in May.

This Lunchtime Talk is part of Open Studio Friday, which takes place at the Studio every week.

Do you want to find out what is going on at the Pervasive Media Studio? Are you interested in meeting our residents, talking about a specific project or curious about pervasive media? Why not pack a sandwich and join us for one of our Lunchtime Talks and Open Studio Friday.

Lunchtime Talks are informal presentations by Studio residents and associates. They normally take place at 1pm on Friday, are free and open to everybody who’s interested in what we do.

After the Talk, we also invite you to stay with us for the afternoon to continue the conversation or work on your own projects. We provide chairs, tables, wireless and a great space. You bring what you need to work with (laptop/mobile). Our open afternoons close at 5pm.

Let us know if you’d like a tour of the space and we'll be happy to show you around. Send an email to admin@pmstudio.co.uk