In his May 30, 2002 SEGD presentation, Buxton persuasively argued that, since faster/better/cheaper digital technologies are inevitable, the really interesting problems and solutions lie elsewhere—in the interface between humans and computers. Further, Buxton says, today's twenty-to-thirty year-old interface technology (derived from the likes of the Xerox STAR) fails because it is techno-centric rather than user-centric. Buxton challenges designers to organize information in the environment in ways that meaningfully link personal-scale displays and devices (such as handheld, wrist-mounted, and wearable computers) with social-scale displays (such as his award-winning interactive Portfolio Wall). More information about Buxton and his work may be found on his personal website.

Bill Buxton is a designer and researcher concerned with human aspects of technology. He is Chief Scientist of Alias/ Wavefront, Inc., and its parent company SGI, Inc. He is also a professor at the department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto. Bill has particular interest in the use of technology to support creative activities such as design, filmmaking, and music. His research includes technologies, techniques, and theories on input to computers, technology mediated human-to-human collaboration, and ubiquitous computing. In addition to research, Bill has a strong connection to industry and applied work. He has consulted with a number of technology companies, such as Xerox PARC. He has been a recipient of numerous awards and serves on a number of academic advisory boards. He received a Bachelor of Music degree from Queen's University and an M.S. in Computer Music from the University of Toronto.

Contact: buxton@aw.sgi.com

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