Human Spatial Computing

Spatial computing encapsulates a range of technologies that embrace the physical world rather than relying solely on a screen. These include approaches such as natural interfaces, haptic feedback, and virtual and augmented reality. Human Spatial Computing takes readers on a journey through this complex world of spatial computing, which is an increasingly important part of modern life.

This book explores spatial computing’s historical roots and contemporary implications, and highlights its transformative role in significant events, such as the global pandemic, where it proved instrumental in connecting people across distances and adapting to new social norms. It also examines the ethical dimensions surrounding this technology, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, advocacy, and shared responsibility.

Extensively covering topics around privacy, safety, and ethics from different perspectives, this text provides detailed discussions of these subjects to better understand their importance and implications. Accessible to students at undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels, each chapter includes questions for reflection and suggested activities to help apply the concepts, and provides an in-depth view of the practical factors to consider when creating spatial computing experiences. With the evolution of this technology, it’s essential to consider the intricacies of making experiences more inclusive and accessible to a broader audience, to ensure a future centred around humanity.

Reginé Gilbert, James Weldon Johnson Professor, New York University, Doug North Cook, CEO and Creative Director, Creature

Reginé Gilbert is a distinguished user experience designer, educator, and author with over a decade of experience in technology. As the holder of the prestigious James Weldon Professorship at New York University, she seamlessly weaves inclusive design principles into her corporate teaching and mentorship. Author of ＂Inclusive Design for a Digital World＂ (2019), she advocates passionately for shaping inclusive and accessible digital landscapes.

Globally recognized, Reginé delivers keynote speeches worldwide, sharing profound insights on accessibility and technology. Her pioneering research in inclusive and accessible Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) transcends borders, with presentations at esteemed institutions like Stanford, MIT, and Design Matters Denmark reaffirming her commitment to making technology inclusive for all.

Doug North Cook is a designer, professor, and researcher focused on immersive experience design. He was the founding faculty for the Immersive Media programs at Chatham University, lead instructor for the Immersive Design Residencies at Fallingwater, and is now the CEO and Creative Director of Creature, a game studio and label focused on exploring new methods of play. Doug has worked with teams on a variety of immersive experiences including Starship Home, Among Us VR, The Last Clockwinder, No More Rainbows, and many others.