PRINCIPLE 2.6
Technology should create calm

I think this distillation of Weiser's vision is quite pithy; the goal of ubiquitous computing is to "weave [technology] into the fabric of everyday life until they are indistinguishable from it." In other words, the calmness is derivative of the pervasiveness and subsequent satiation of technology in various forms in quotidian life such that the attention on technology as a means outweighs that of the presence of technology. Generally, I think this is a very utopian goal to work towards, as in the long run (and if regulated correctly), it will bring a new level of quality of life for everyone, just like how Weiser describes writing, a revolutionary innovation that has completely reshaped the nature of communication and preservation of knowledge.

The idea that I want to put forth in this response is not to challenge the principle, but rather evaluate the status quo of design in achieving Weiser's vision. Artful Design says that "in some ways, it is an embodiment of Mark Weiser's vision for ubiquitous computing (though perhaps not nearly as invisible or unobtrusive as envisioned)" (see highlight in figure 1, scrolling may be needed). While this is a great perspective to have, I think paradoxically, the contrary could also be argued. Specifically, I think that the parenthetical is carrying a lot of the weight in the sentence. In my opinion, part of the appeal and power of Weiser's article is the fact that technology is invisible and unobtrusive. Therefore, something like a phone under this interpretation would be antithetical to Weiser's vision: the phone draws too much attention to itself. This is precisely why the prevailing sentiment of "kids these days are on their phones too much" exists: rather than using technology as the means, technology has become the ends (of its usage as well as our attention).

The lighter app described in the book actually exemplifies this. Figure 2 writes that "[the virtual lighter] is a statement that the device isn't simulating a lighter -- it is the lighter... and all the while doubling down on the absurdity of a lighter that is not a lighter." This self-aware app, in my view, demonstrates the ways we have yet to go to fully reach Weiser's vision. A truly unobtrusive technology would not inhibit the lighter; yet the edges of the phone screen acts as a barrier that even singes on contact with the flame. This feature brings to the forefront of our attention that the phone is a limiting factor in the creation of new music technology, and technology in general.

Conversely, the writing system has advanced to the point where the medium is no longer an inhibiting factor. Nearly anything can be a vehicle of information, from the computer screen you are reading this from to words written in the sky by planes. Thus, while technology these days have achieved ubiquity, it has come at the cost of an ever-growing presence in daily life.