What is
Ambient Computing?
Ambient computing connects devices, sensors, and data together to serve the customer, creating an environment that responds to the user's individual needs. It's an exciting concept that represents an essential shift in how we are getting things done. But let me take you back to where it all began first…
At the dawn of the personal computing revolution, people “operated” a computer. They sat down and did computing – mostly this was programming. Later, when Apple introduced a Graphical User Interface (GUI) on their computer, operators became “users.” The end-users used computers for purposes other than programming or operating another computer. They used it to check their bills, play games, make documents, etc.
Ambient computing changes all of that because it involves using a computer without consciously or deliberately or explicitly “using” a computer.
A great example of an ambient device is a motion sensor.
A motion system uses a specialized sensor to perceive human activity. When you walk up to the grocery store door or enter a room, the sensor recognizes your presence and activates the door, light, … In this way, you’re making use of the door or the light without actually using it. You don't have to manually open the door or manually turn on the light anymore, you can ignore that action. The desired output simply happens.
A quick note that although this is a huge step forward, this is not 100% ambient computing yet, as we still have to trigger something. But it's a good start!
5 Takeaways on Ambient Computing
1. Invisible
Ambient computing is nearly invisible. It will be happening right before your eyes, but you almost won’t perceive it.
2. Embedded into your environment
Technology in ambient computing is embedded in your environment, so it feels as natural as possible. Look at voice commands!
3. Discreet & Discrete
Technology should be there when you need it and out of sight when you don’t.
4. Combining the strength of different devices
Ambient computing will use the power of different devices. It takes data from different flows and functionalities, but in the end it will all work together. It will feel like a invisible layer on top
5. Data is key
Data is the center of ambient computing.
How can it help your business?
1. Locked in
Once people use your products and service they get locked in (look at Apple)
2. Personalized
You can offer more personalized experiences to your clients which will result in more happy customers
3. Data
You receive a lot of data in return. This data can help you make decisions
4. From product to service
At one point you are maybe selling a product but ambient gives you the opportunity to change from product to service
We're the right kind of difficult
We know when to push and when to deliver.
We take ideas to execution, it is not just what we do, it is how we combine our expertises & tools in a journey of change that aims to deliver.
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