Today, desktop computers are a primary platform through which individuals interact with information technology. But whether this proposition will remain true in the future is an open question. Some reports suggest that information appliances—single-purpose devices that manipulate information—may become more common and ubiquitous in the future. Indeed, those making this prediction argue that information appliances can be made so easy to use that no knowledge of information technology will be necessary to operate them.
Predictions of the future technology environment are notoriously uncertain. It is likely that today's desktop computers (or their equivalents) will continue to be used by information workers. But the intellectual framework outlined in this chapter for FITness will continue to have applicability even to individuals dealing with information appliances. Of course, the specific skills needed will be different. But the basic concepts and intellectual capabilities of FITness will continue to be relevant. For example:
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