WebStickers: using physical tokens to access, manage and share bookmarks to the Web

ABSTRACT

In the WebStickers system, where barcode stickers may be attached to physical objects making them act as bookmarks to the worldwide web in a convenient way to the user. Using readily available technology, i.e., standard barcode readers and adhesive stickers, WebStickers enable users to take advantage of their physical environment when organizing and sharing bookmarks. Starting from a user-centered rather than technology-driven point of view, we discuss how the affordances of physical tokens, as well as the context they are placed in, can act as useful cues for users. Since many objects already have barcodes printed on them, they can be used with the WebStickers system without physical modification. In addition, WebStickers meets proposed design criteria for information workspaces.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.4 INFORMATION SYSTEMS APPLICATIONS
      H.4.3 Communications Applications

          Nouns: Internet

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.3 INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
      H.3.5 On-line Information Services
          Subjects: Web-based services
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Interaction styles (e.g., commands, menus, forms, direct manipulation)
      H.5.3 Group and Organization Interfaces
          Subjects: Web-based interaction

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.7 DOCUMENT AND TEXT PROCESSING
      I.7.5 Document Capture
          Subjects: Optical character recognition (OCR)

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors, Management, Performance, Theory

Keywords:
barcodes, bookmark management, information workspaces, physical tokens, tangible interfaces, world wide Web, world wide web