A special kind of intimacy: sustaining sociability with ubiquitous computing for the inter-generational family

Recent research in ubiquitous computing has mostly concerned systems that support personal and informational issues. This paper introduces the concept of phatic technologies - systems that establish and maintain the possibility of social interactions. These systems are not concerned with capturing and communicating information as such, but with building relationships. We briefly outline our current field-based studies examining the possibilities for supporting inter-generational family interaction with technology.