IEEE Pervasive Computing explores the role of computing in the physical world–as characterized by visions such as the Internet of Things and ubiquitous computing. Designed for researchers, practitioners, and educators, this quarterly magazine acts as a catalyst for realizing the ideas described by Mark Weiser in 1988. The essence of this vision is the creation of environments saturated with sensing, computing, and wireless communication that gracefully support the needs of individuals and society. Many key building blocks for this vision are now viable commercial technologies: wearable and handheld computers, wireless networking, location sensing, Internet of Things platforms, and so on.

However, the vision continues to present deep challenges for experts in areas such as hardware design, sensor networks, mobile systems, human-computer interaction, industrial design, machine learning, data science, and societal issues including privacy and ethics. Through special issues, the magazine explores applications in areas such as assisted living, automotive systems, cognitive assistance, hardware innovations, ICT4D, manufacturing, retail, smart cities, and sustainability. In addition, the magazine accepts peer-reviewed papers of wide interest under a general call, and also features regular columns on hot topics and interviews with luminaries in the field.

Special Issue on Designing for Self-Determined Engagement with Pervasive Technology
Submission Date: 2025-03-17

Marc Weiser famously envisioned “ubiquitous computing” as technology that fades into the background, seamlessly integrating ”into the fabric of everyday life until they are indistinguishable from it”. He concluded his seminal article, The Computer for the 21st Century, by proposing that “using a computer” should feel as natural and refreshing “as taking a walk in the woods.”

Fast forward to today, mobile computing devices such as smartphones, tablets, AR/VR, or smartwatches (that is, pervasive computing systems) have indeed become integrated into our lives with debatable consequences. Many would argue that a new dependency on technology has been created as a result of constant connectivity, with detrimental effects on human cognition and well-being, as opposed to the natural and refreshing effect envisioned by Weiser 30 years ago. To stay in control of technology, human self-determination should play a central role in the design, operation, and use of pervasive computing systems.

In light of these developments, this special issue of IEEE Pervasive Computing will focus on the design for self-determined engagement, i.e. pervasive systems that deliver value according to the user’s needs while safeguarding human user autonomy with regard to technology engagement.

We invite original and high-quality submissions addressing:

    The development and evaluation of tools that empower users to manage engagement
    Wearable devices and algorithms that monitor the user’s cognitive load, physical activity, or environment to support self-determined engagement with pervasive technologies
    Artificial intelligence and machine learning-based adaptive systems that promote self-determined engagement with pervasive technologies
    Ethical challenges around systems that compete for user attention and how pervasive systems can keep users in control
    Gamification and behavioral design that empower users to engage in self-determined engagement with pervasive technologies
    User privacy and security with the transparency and functionality of pervasive systems

We welcome papers addressing any aspect of this field, provided that the connection to pervasive computing is central and clear. Review or summary articles offering critical evaluations of the state of the art or in-depth analyses of emerging technologies will also be considered if they demonstrate academic rigor and relevance.

Articles submitted to IEEE Pervasive Computing should not exceed 6,000 words, including all text, the abstract, keywords, bibliography, biographies, and table text. The word count must include 250 words for each table and figure. References should be limited to at most 20 citations (40 for survey papers). Authors are encouraged, but not required, to use a template for submission (accepted articles will ultimately be typeset by magazine staff for publication).

IEEE Pervasive Computing always welcomes submissions into its regular queue that cover the role of computing in the physical world – as characterized by visions such as the Internet of Things and ubiquitous computing. Topics of interest include hardware design, sensor networks, mobile systems, human-computer interaction, industrial design, machine learning, and data science, as well as societal issues including privacy and ethics. Please read the Author Information page before submitting. Simply select the “Regular” option when submitting at the submission site (submissions are possible at any time; no need for prior abstract by email).