Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
As illustrated in Ubiloop (section 11.2.2), adaptation can consist of a remodeling
and/or a redistribution of the UI. The remodeling can be more or less deep, affecting
the task of the user (his objective or the procedure) or be limited to surface
modifications (restructuring or restyling). The redistribution can be total or partial,
leading to a centralized or distributed UI.
The following section illustrates the plasticity in the domain of transport in a
scenario that suggests an ensemble of research perspectives in this field.
11.3.2.
Illustration in transport
Prelude:
Pierre, who lives and works in Grenoble, France, must go on a business
trip in the countryside near Toulouse for a company seminar. He must travel with
Christine, a work colleague. They must take a train and then a bus to reach the
location of the seminar. On his smart phone, Pierre has a very complete personal
space, particularly for his trips: he stores all the information necessary for his
journey (electronic train ticket, electronic bus ticket, hotel reservation, address of
the seminar, etc.).
Moment No. 1:
Pierre and Christine are in the augmented compartment of the
train. Whereas some people are playing chess on the interactive table placed in front
of their seats, Christine prefers to work on a project she is writing. She has already
started filling in the description form: title, summary, number of hours, project
manager, etc. She gets out her laptop computer. She begins by rereading the text and
decides to show it to Pierre to get his opinion. As they are working, the battery of
Christine's PC runs low. The form is then switched to the interactive table located in
front of them. They can thus continue to work.
Analysis: a change occurred in the user platform (its battery was running out).
This change caused a redistribution of the UI to enable the user to continue her task
(expected value).
Moment No. 2:
Pierre and Christine arrive in Valence, where they have to
change trains. When they arrive on the platform, they learn that their connecting
train will be late. Using his smart phone, Pierre consults the times of the next trains.
There is a long wait so they will not arrive in time to take their bus to Toulouse.
They must find an alternative solution. They head towards the Wi-Fi-enabled
business lounge and sit down at an interactive table. The system suggests keeping
the actions linked to personal data on the smart phone and to carry out actions
concerning the journey on the table. Pierre accepts. Information regarding the
different stages of their journey is displayed on the table. By pressing on
“Toulouse”, they can consult the solutions available to get to the seminar. The
