Foraging-based optimization of pervasive displays

The article addresses a key challenge in the design of content for pervasive displays: how to engage passers-by who have limited time and attention? To achieve this, we apply a novel approach for computational design of interesting display content using tiled layouts. We present a model of display foraging based on information foraging theory to describe the behavior of a rational but time-limited user looking at a display. Accordingly, our work aims to maximize the information gain for tiled displays. This complex problem is divided into two phases: (1) generating designs of tiled layouts and (2) assigning content options to individual tiles based on what predicted by display foraging. Accordingly, a proof-of-concept system was realized then evaluated computationally and empirically with a control study and field study. The results show that the proposed system can engage significantly more people than typical digital signage.