Using Scenario-Based Envisioning to Explore Wearable Flexible Displays

Abstract

Fast-maturing flexible display technology, explored in a military application using this envisioning method, both reveals potential utility and raises questions for further study.

Flexible displays (FDs) are thin, lightweight, flexible displays that use little power and can be easily stored, carried, or mounted on clothing. Diverse applications are being imagined for the emerging FD technology, but it will take more than imagination to develop applications that have high utility and functionality. In this article we focus on military applications of wearable FD technology and demonstrate a scenario-based envisioning research method that provides a realistic context for usability analysis. Via this method, participants were encouraged to generate ideas for the uses of wearable FDs and to identify possible problems and misapplications. Results show that FDs will take on different functionalities depending on the task context and the responsibilities of the user.