History‐enriched digital objects: Prototypes and policy issues

Recording on digital objects (e.g., reports, forms, source‐code, manual pages, email, spreadsheets) the interaction events that comprise their use makes it possible on future occasions, when the objects are used again, to display graphical abstractions of the accrued histories as parts of the objects themselves. It also makes it possible to search for objects by their use and, under certain circumstances, to find people through objects used in common. Prototypes built to explore this idea (e.g., Edit Wear, Read Wear, Email Wear, and Vita Service) demonstrate the costs and benefits of using objects in the context of their interaction histories. The prototypes also raise issues concerning the nature, ownership, and appropriate use of personal information.