Auras

A digital aura is local information about a person or object in local context.

Auras are either radiated, reflected, or both. Radiated auras broadcast information that is perceived by protocol-compliant devices (btle, wifi, infrared, ultrasound, light, NFC). Reflected auras are perceived by devices sampling reflected ambient light to detect objects and pull predefined information from a database (augmented reality, QR codes).

Auras provide information that is either explicit, inferred, or both. Explicit auras use information provided by the object itself. Inferred auras use information from sources other than the object itself. (radiated auras typically provide explicit information, beacons, but can also pull from DB). (augmented reality DB, beacons). QR codes are reflected auras that provide explicit information.

Auras are either dynamic or static. Future auras will be dynamic, most today are static. QR, augmented reality, beacons, and provide mostly static information. Future auras will update information in response to changing context and the presence of other aura-capable devices.

Auras reduce the uncertainty of a local context, improving interactions in and with the surrounding environment and increasing the frequency and precision of mutually beneficial transactions of products, services, and experiences. Removing uncertainty reduces frictional costs, economic and social. In an economic interaction, reducing uncertainty reduces cost, and increases margins and retention. For a social interaction, reducing uncertainty reduces stress and anxiety while increasing awareness and goodwill.