Mobility: an extended perspective

TLDR

ICT convergence is transforming mobility, yet current debates focus mainly on functionalist analyses of how mobile technologies reduce geographic barriers, while mobility also encompasses broader human interactions. This paper theoretically reconsiders mobility, arguing it should not be limited to physical travel and proposes a fluid metaphor for ICT‑supported mobilized interaction. The authors examine spatial, temporal, and contextual dimensions of mobility, introduce the fluid metaphor, and apply it to a case of a new mobile technology system in a Japanese distribution firm. They discuss the implementation of this new mobile technology system in the Japanese distribution firm, illustrating the proposed framework.

Abstract

The emergence and convergence of information and communication technologies (ICTs) are fundamentally transforming the use of technology, and in particular concerning the issues of mobility. The current debates on mobility, however, almost exclusively consist of functionalist analyses of how particular mobile technologies can alleviate geographical barriers for human activity. This paper reconsiders, from a theoretical perspective, the concept of mobility. We argue that mobility should not exclusively be linked to human corporeal travel. The concept also relates more broadly to the interaction people perform. In order to appreciate the relationship between mobility and human interaction, three interrelated dimensions are discussed-spatial, temporal, and contextual aspects of mobility. In order to characterize the social topology of ICT supported mobilized interaction, we suggest and discuss the adoption of a fluid metaphor. Based on these discussions, a case of a new mobile technology system introduced in a Japanese distribution service firm is discussed.