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bookseries/15933.
Interfaceless
Conscious Design for Spatial
Computing with Generative AI

Diana Olynick
Interfaceless: Conscious Design for Spatial Computing with Generative AI
Diana Olynick
Winnipeg, MB, Canada

ISBN-13 (pbk): 979-8-8688-0082-5 ISBN-13 (electronic): 979-8-8688-0083-2


https://doi.org/10.1007/979-8-8688-0083-2

Copyright © 2024 by Diana Olynick


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To you.
Table of Contents
About the Author��������������������������������������������������������������������������������xv

About the Technical Reviewer����������������������������������������������������������xvii

Acknowledgments�����������������������������������������������������������������������������xix

Introduction: The Challenge of Conscious and


Interfaceless Design��������������������������������������������������������������������������xxi

Chapter 1: Setting the Stage for the Interfaceless Future��������������������1


A Brief Overview of the Current Interface Paradigm ��������������������������������������������3
The Evolution of the “Interfaceless” Philosophy���������������������������������������������������5
The Origins and Development of AI�����������������������������������������������������������������������7
The Inception and Evolution of Generative AI��������������������������������������������������������9
Important Breakthroughs and Milestones�����������������������������������������������������������11
Introduction of Conscious Designing������������������������������������������������������������������13
Summary������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������15

Chapter 2: Exploring Generative AI and Its Transformative Power�����17


Unpacking Generative AI�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������18
Generative Adversarial Networks������������������������������������������������������������������20
Variational Autoencoders�������������������������������������������������������������������������������20
Autoregressive Models����������������������������������������������������������������������������������21
Flow-Based Generative Models���������������������������������������������������������������������22
Diffusion Models��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������23

vii
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How Generative AI Is Revolutionizing the Design Process����������������������������������24


The Old vs. the New��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������25
Speed and Efficiency�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������26
Adaptability and Personalization�������������������������������������������������������������������26
Comparison of Traditional vs. AI-Powered Design Results����������������������������������28
Time Efficiency����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������29
Variability�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������30
Customization������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������30
Accuracy and Consistency�����������������������������������������������������������������������������30
Scalability������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������31
Creativity�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������31
Feedback and Iteration����������������������������������������������������������������������������������31
Overview of Generative AI Platforms������������������������������������������������������������������32
Common Back-End Systems (Foundational Tech)�����������������������������������������33
Highlighted Front-End Platforms (Apps)��������������������������������������������������������34
Case Study Concept Design with GenAI “Eunoia Centre”�����������������������������������42
Best Practices in Utilizing Generative AI for Design��������������������������������������������56
Goals and Data Quality����������������������������������������������������������������������������������57
Human Experience����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������58
Ethics and Transparency��������������������������������������������������������������������������������58
Security and Privacy��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������59
Mindful and Conscious Purpose��������������������������������������������������������������������59
Summary������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������60

Chapter 3: Principles of Conscious/Mindful Design���������������������������61


Principles of Conscious Design���������������������������������������������������������������������������63
Introducing the MSDF (Mindful Spatial Design Framework)�������������������������66
The “Interfaceless” Approach in Spatial Computing�������������������������������������������77
What Is Spatial Computing?��������������������������������������������������������������������������78

viii
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The Natural Interface�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������78


Holistic Experience����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������79
Mindful Immersion����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������79
Adaptable and Empathetic Systems��������������������������������������������������������������81
Understanding Contextual Awareness in Design������������������������������������������������82
Case Studies in Conscious Design����������������������������������������������������������������������84
Current and Future Role of AI in Conscious Design���������������������������������������������87
Summary: Principles of Conscious Design����������������������������������������������������������90
Resources�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������91

Chapter 4: The Evolving Role of AI: Automation and Beyond�������������93


The Impact of Interfaces on Experience�������������������������������������������������������������94
Embracing Automation in Spatial Computing�����������������������������������������������������98
Successful Implementation of Automation: Case Studies���������������������������������101
AI’s Position in Fostering Innovation and Setting Industry Benchmarks�����������104
The Historic Context of Innovation���������������������������������������������������������������105
The Impact of AI As a Multidimensional Force��������������������������������������������105
AI and a New Age of Protocols��������������������������������������������������������������������106
AI-Driven New Paradigms���������������������������������������������������������������������������106
The Ethical Dimension and Responsibility���������������������������������������������������107
The Road Ahead: AI’s Relationship with Other Technologies�����������������������107
Reflections on AI’s Future in Design�����������������������������������������������������������������108
Summary: The Evolving Role of AI—Automation and Beyond��������������������������112

Chapter 5: Complexity, Simplicity, and True Minimalism�����������������113


The Nuances of Minimalist Designs������������������������������������������������������������������116
Overcoming the Traps of False Simplicity: Case Studies����������������������������������118
Revisiting the Traditional Design Process���������������������������������������������������������120
A Brief Overview of the Traditional Design Process�������������������������������������121

ix
Table of Contents

The Hard Lessons from “False Simplicity”��������������������������������������������������122


Design Funnel Reimagined�������������������������������������������������������������������������������123
Immersive Requirement Gathering��������������������������������������������������������������123
Multidimensional Conceptualization�����������������������������������������������������������123
Conscious Design����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������124
Immersive Testing���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������125
Adaptive Implementation�����������������������������������������������������������������������������126
The Power of AI in Elevating Minimalist Experiences���������������������������������������127
The Road Ahead�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������129
Summary: Complexity, Simplicity, and True Minimalism�����������������������������������129
Resources���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������130

Chapter 6: A Deep Dive into Interfaceless Environments�����������������131


The Holistic Ecosystem: AI, ML, DL, and Physical Devices��������������������������������132
Artificial Intelligence������������������������������������������������������������������������������������133
Machine Learning����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������134
Deep Learning���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������134
Physical Computing�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������134
The Role of Sensors and Hardware in Spatial Computing��������������������������������137
Understanding Sensors and Input Devices��������������������������������������������������139
Understanding Rendering and Displays������������������������������������������������������142
Other Infrastructure and Platforms�������������������������������������������������������������������144
AI Algorithm Stack��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������145
Processing Units������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������146
Display Systems������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������147
Tracking Systems����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������147
Software������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������147
Connectivity�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������147
Storage��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������148

x
Table of Contents

Case Study: Apple’s Vision Pro (Figure 6-4) and Spatial Computing�����������������148
AI and Predictive Behaviors������������������������������������������������������������������������������150
Computational Methods in Spatial Computing��������������������������������������������151
Interaction Paradigms in Spatial Computing�����������������������������������������������153
From 3D Interfaces to Interfaceless������������������������������������������������������������155
Optimization and Performance Considerations�������������������������������������������158
Security and Privacy in Spatial Computing��������������������������������������������������161
AI and Machine Learning for Behavior Analysis������������������������������������������������164
Real-Time Scene Segmentation in Spatial Computing��������������������������������164
Predictive Human Behavior Analysis in Spatial Computing�������������������������164
Quantum Computing and Spatial Experiences��������������������������������������������������166
The New Era of Virtual Assistants���������������������������������������������������������������������169
Understanding Voice User Interfaces (VUIs)������������������������������������������������172
Challenges and Innovations�������������������������������������������������������������������������174
Steps Toward Inclusive and Accessible Interfaceless Designs�������������������������174
Understanding the Context��������������������������������������������������������������������������175
Summary: A Deep Dive into Interfaceless Environments����������������������������������180

Chapter 7: Toward Interfaceless Experiences: Leveraging AI


and Spatial Computing���������������������������������������������������������������������181
The Parallel Between XR Practices and the Interfaceless Approach����������������183
The Background of UX and XR���������������������������������������������������������������������184
Factors to Consider for XR and Spatial Computing Design�������������������������������187
Visual Grammar�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������188
Language and Typography���������������������������������������������������������������������������188
Narrative Design������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������189

xi
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Special Considerations for XR Design and Spatial Computing Design��������������190


Bodystorming and Acting����������������������������������������������������������������������������190
Proprioception���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������191
Affordances and Signifiers��������������������������������������������������������������������������191
Poses and Gestures�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������192
Grid Behaviors���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������192
Best Practices for Spatial Computing���������������������������������������������������������������193
Field of View������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������193
Frame Rate��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������194
Degrees of Simulation���������������������������������������������������������������������������������194
Latency��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������194
Optics����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������195
Health and Ergonomics�������������������������������������������������������������������������������195
Locomotion��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������195
A Framework for “Interfaceless” Design����������������������������������������������������������196
Human-Centric Analysis������������������������������������������������������������������������������197
Environmental Contextualization�����������������������������������������������������������������198
Natural Interactivity�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������199
Feedback Mechanisms��������������������������������������������������������������������������������200
Adaptive and Dynamic Designs�������������������������������������������������������������������200
Testing and Iteration������������������������������������������������������������������������������������201
Ethical Considerations and Privacy�������������������������������������������������������������201
Potential Use Cases and Case Study�����������������������������������������������������������������202
Practical Case Study: “Imagined Realities”������������������������������������������������������205
Challenges and Solutions in Interfaceless Designs������������������������������������������226
Intuition in Spatial Computing���������������������������������������������������������������������227
Stability and Adaptability�����������������������������������������������������������������������������228
Automation and Inherent Risks�������������������������������������������������������������������230

xii
Table of Contents

Implications of Universal Designs���������������������������������������������������������������231


Legal Responsibility������������������������������������������������������������������������������������232
Summary: From Theory to Practice—Implementing
“Interfaceless” Designs������������������������������������������������������������������������������������233
Resources���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������234

Chapter 8: Ethical Design in an AI-Driven World������������������������������235


Ethical Considerations in Tech��������������������������������������������������������������������������236
Philosophy and Its Significance in Spatial Computing
with Generative AI���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������238
The Four Ethical Theories����������������������������������������������������������������������������243
Case Studies of Ethical Breaches: A Discussion on Spatial Computing with
Generative AI�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������245
Modern Precedents of Ethical Concerns in Technology�������������������������������245
Modern Issues���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������247
Ethical Case Studies������������������������������������������������������������������������������������249
Best Practices for Ethical Use of AI in Design���������������������������������������������������251
The Role of Designers and Developers in AI Ethics�������������������������������������252
Intellectual Property and Originality: A Discussion��������������������������������������252
Widening the Ethical Horizon: Broader Considerations�������������������������������������255
Environmental Human Dynamics����������������������������������������������������������������259
Ethics Training for Designers�����������������������������������������������������������������������261
Ethical Roadblocks and Solutions���������������������������������������������������������������262
Summary: Ethical Design in an AI-Driven World�����������������������������������������������265

Chapter 9: The Road Ahead: Predictions and Preparations��������������267


How Design Will Continue to Evolve������������������������������������������������������������������269
The Canvas of Design����������������������������������������������������������������������������������270
Upcoming Breakthroughs and Developments���������������������������������������������������272

xiii
Table of Contents

Positioning Yourself for the “Interfaceless” Future�������������������������������������������275


The Potential Impact on the Job Market and Skill Requirements���������������������279
Summary: The Road Ahead—Predictions and Preparations�����������������������������282

Chapter 10: Concluding Thoughts and the Future Vision�����������������283


A Reflection on the Interfaceless Journey��������������������������������������������������������285
Addressing Common Criticisms and Misconceptions���������������������������������������288
Expert Voices: Interviews and Insights from Leading Minds�����������������������������291
Final Thoughts: Embracing the “Interfaceless” Promise�����������������������������������307

Appendix A: Resources and Tools for “Interfaceless” Design����������309

Appendix B: Glossary of AI and Spatial Computing��������������������������323

Appendix C: Additional Resources for Further Learning������������������329

Appendix D: References��������������������������������������������������������������������333

Index�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������337

xiv
About the Author
Diana Olynick stands at the crossroads of
design, engineering, and spatial computing
innovation. As a registered professional
engineer, she brings a blend of technical
acumen and design creativity to the XR field
with over a decade of experience. Beyond
academia, Diana’s voice has resonated
globally, with invitations to speak at several
esteemed international conferences. She has
dedicated herself to educating the next generation, guiding them through
the intricacies of spatial computing and conscious design. Her ability
to deconstruct and demystify complex XR topics for a wide audience
sets her apart. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Diana is a leader
fostering the transformative potential of interfaceless. Diana’s educational
contributions can be found at www.dianaolynick.com.

xv
About the Technical Reviewer
Jerry Medeiros is a seasoned professional
with over a decade of hands-on experience in
immersive technology, focusing on games and
extended reality. With a robust background
in artificial intelligence, Jerry brings a unique
perspective to the intersection of technology
and interactive experiences. Holding a
bachelor’s degree in game development with a
specialization in interaction design, as well as
a master’s degree in computer science with research expertise in artificial
intelligence, Jerry is well-versed in cutting-edge technologies and their
applications.

xvii
Acknowledgments
First and foremost, my deepest gratitude goes to my family: Sara, my mom,
Stephen, Gani, and Penny. Their unwavering belief in my ability to convey
this pivotal message to the world was the anchor of my inspiration. And
to my two faithful dogs, who patiently awaited their cuddles as I poured
my heart into these pages, thank you for the silent comfort. Together, their
collective support was the beacon that guided me through the long nights
and challenging moments of this journey.
To the diligent teams, editors, and managers who helped bring this
vision to life, Welmoed Spahr, James Robinson-Prior, James Markham,
Gryffin Winkler, Shonmirin Vareichung, and everyone else involved in the
project working so hard to make this a reality—thank you. To every expert,
colleague, and friend who offered insights—your contributions have been
invaluable.
As you’ve journeyed through this book on spatial computing and
generative AI, I invite you to a brief moment of reflection. Consider the last
interfaceless interaction you had. How did it shape your experience of the
digital world?
To those picking up this book in the distant future, I hope its contents
have not just informed but have also been a testament to the commitment
of our era toward conscious, ethical design.
A heartfelt acknowledgment to the developers, designers, and
visionaries behind the algorithms that power our digital age. While
these algorithms operate silently, they are born from human ingenuity
and aspiration. Their interfaceless interactions are evidence not just of
technological advancement but of our collective human drive to innovate
and improve.

xix
Acknowledgments

During the writing of this book, a chance interaction with a new piece
of generative AI solidified the urgency and relevance of this work for
me—a machine-generated piece of music that stirred human emotion just
as poignantly as any human composition.
But most importantly, dear reader, thank you. By engaging with this
content, you’ve made this work truly alive. And I hope, in some way, it
empowers you to shape the future of spatial computing with intentionality
and care.

xx
Introduction: The Challenge
of Conscious and
Interfaceless Design
What if there was another way to interact with technology? What if it could
understand us effortlessly, be intuitive, and feel natural? This is where
interfaceless design comes in—a vision of technology that understands
and adapts to us seamlessly creating interactions while being invisible in
the background.
Although it is a very exciting journey, reaching this future comes with
its set of challenges. How do we teach machines to comprehend not just
our words but our intentions, emotions, and the context in which we exist?
How can we ensure that technology respects our privacy, individuality,
and humanity? How do we design technology that enhances our lives
without becoming intrusive?
Finding answers to these questions requires a combination of
technological expertise, psychological understanding, and design
principles. This is where the Mindful Spatial Design Framework (MSDF)
comes into play—a paradigm that brings together these fields to guide us
toward a mindful approach in creating technological experiences from
our own awareness and empowerment. The most important nuance of the
framework: You are invited to actually create your own!
This framework is proposed as a general guide to assist designers
and technologists in the creation of experiences that truly resonate with
humans. It places an emphasis on mindfulness and empathy, urging
designers to consider how their creations can impact the emotional well-

xxi
Introduction: The Challenge of Conscious and Interfaceless Design

being of individuals. The foundation of this framework lies in computing


principles, where technology is not merely seen as a tool but as an integral
part of our surroundings.
To properly address the transitioning away from flat screens, we first
take a look at spatial computing as the 3D canvas, where our actions and
context get translated into digital information. In this scenario, the aim of
moving to an interfaceless design is to eliminate the 2D intermediary and
allow us to interact directly with our environment just as we do it naturally
in the physical world. Arriving at this goal implies a broader understanding
of generative AI as most of us are understanding it today. Currently, most
of us might think that generative AI models are here to allow us to create
more and better images and written text. However, when it comes to
spatial computing, the implications of its use are far more reaching than
just generating images, text, or sound. Let’s imagine a scenario where
a human, immersed in a 3D spatial computing environment, makes a
gesture or interacts with an object. Instead of a traditional predefined
response as the ones dictated by traditional UIs, the system would use a
generative AI to create a response. This could be in the form of altering the
environment’s soundscape, generating a new object, or even generating
a visual pattern in real time. This type of interaction is immediate, fluid,
and doesn’t rely on predetermined 2D interface commands or set, static,
limiting “user” journeys.
Generative AI models, especially those like GANs (Generative
Adversarial Networks), are designed to generate data which also includes
behaviors. When applied to spatial computing, generative AI can be
used to dynamically generate content in real time based on the human’s
interactions with their surroundings.
Finally, since this kind of implementation could increasingly become
concerning due to the potential issues with data privacy and ethics,
conscious design is imperative for any implementation: to protect
human rights and society at large while using technology mindfully and
responsibly.

xxii
Introduction: The Challenge of Conscious and Interfaceless Design

Within the pages of this book, we also delve into the history of AI and
its pivotal role in shaping its path. Moreover, we explore approaches for
harnessing AI’s potential within design while providing valuable insights
into mindful design principles. Through engaging case studies showcasing
implementations, readers are guided on how to bring these principles to
life using preliminary models of AI while foreseeing the most advanced
and upcoming possibilities in its evolution.
An important note to keep in mind is that throughout the book I
don’t refer to “user(s)” but “human(s).” The reason is because the term
“user” already has a connotation of an individual that is isolated from the
process and someone that we are trying to find data from, with the goal of
integrating that data into the design process, mostly for business purposes.
This approach has taken design to the direction of imposing onto the
“user” a specific interaction journey they need to follow rather than how
they can cocreate and actively participate from the full human perspective,
which is the purpose of conscious and mindful design.
Finally, whether you are a designer venturing into frontiers, a
technologist interested in the future of human-computer interaction, or
even a futurist intrigued by the convergence of AI and design, this book
aims to ignite your imagination, challenge your perspectives, and equip
you with the necessary knowledge to be at the forefront of this thrilling
frontier.
So step into our vision for a future where design transcends interfaces
and becomes synonymous with experiences. Welcome to an era defined by
interfaceless design.

xxiii
CHAPTER 1

Setting the Stage


for the Interfaceless
Future
Interfaces are part of our day to day, playing an important role, connecting
us with technology and shaping our interactions. The objective of
interfaces is to simplify the process while making it more accessible.
Many experts agree that we are moving toward a future where
interfaces become almost invisible, and as technology evolves rapidly, this
envisions immediate interactions without any intermediaries.
The fast pace of this transformation and evolution sparks our
imagination and invites us to reflect on our current interactions with the
tools and technologies from today. Have you noticed that we have been
admired and mesmerized by newer and newer technological discoveries
and inventions, promising us a significant reduction in time for our daily
activities (sometimes called efficiency) and helping us make better things?
Now, the question is, with all the technology we have so far, how are you
doing with your efficiency? Do you have more time right now compared to
years ago as a result of using so many new and “efficient” tools that swear
to help you work less? Are we having more and more availability to do the
things that we want, perhaps working only two hours daily or by projecting
only models where we can walk, run, travel, explore, meditate, cook, and
have plenty of family time thanks to supporting technology?

© Diana Olynick 2024 1


D. Olynick, Interfaceless, Design Thinking, https://doi.org/10.1007/979-8-8688-0083-2_1
Chapter 1 Setting the Stage for the Interfaceless Future

Nowadays, every time we are waiting for a service to be delivered, say


at the doctor’s or dentist’s office, at the restaurant, at the park, everywhere,
most likely you will see in a stagnant mode, humans glued to the screen
of their mobile device. Swiping left, up, tapping, clicking, dragging,
pinching… our days go by with a computer in our hands, and we cannot
resist the urge to “be connected.” Social media use has proliferated and
augmented even more our behaviors, and more and more cases are
reported of increased anxiety and depression in younger demographics.
Advertisements have made their way in all the places we go digitally, and
now we are not the consumer anymore but also the product. When we
think of the progression of humanity under these terms, what comes to
mind? What will the future of humanity look like?
This concern and the potential dangers of extinction posed by
humanity, where technology can become smarter than humans due to a
lack of values and the fact that humans are depending more and more on
materialistic views of evolution, are other reasons why we need to rethink
from our own individuality as creators our role and responsibility in all
this panorama. Even if you don’t have children, which are an immediate
potential perpetuation of our species that you can see directly in your life,
there is a sense of empathy that still exists in each human being that helps
us propel this new approach to technology in a holistic and moral way.
Imagine a world where technology seamlessly integrates into our lives,
eliminating the need for interfaces. This concept is truly remarkable. Just
think about a reality where technology effortlessly adapts to our instincts,
where a simple thought or gesture can initiate a series of actions without
relying on screens or buttons. The shift going from a mobile device to a
head-mounted device (HMD) is inevitable. It is parallel to the shift needed
to happen going from a desktop to a mobile device. In just a couple of
years, it became a necessity, and this change went from merely connecting
us voice to voice through a phone call to offering us the entire world
accessed in one tap.

2
Chapter 1 Setting the Stage for the Interfaceless Future

Spatial computing is also part of a technology that not only involves


interacting digitally through an HMD but also without it. A good example
of this is a smart home, where, through voice commands, appliances,
lights, temperature regulators, and other devices can be seamlessly
controlled without relying on traditional interfaces.
When we discuss a world driven by interfaces, we must acknowledge
the role played by artificial intelligence (AI). The desire to create machines
of human-like thinking, emotions, and reactions has been around long
before modern computers were even born. From those room filling
machines to today’s AI algorithms that not only understand but also
anticipate and tailor experiences according to our preferences, this journey
has been remarkable.
In this changing world, one thing becomes abundantly clear:
technology is the driving force propelling us into the future, and design
serves as our guiding map in this journey. The Mindful Spatial Design
Framework (MSDF) perfectly captures the essence of this dynamic. As
we move toward a future where the boundaries between humans and
technology become less defined, the importance of design becomes more
critical.

 Brief Overview of the Current


A
Interface Paradigm
In the most basic sense, an interface is the communication point between
two entities of systems. Its name derives from “inter” (Latin root) meaning
“between or amid” and “facies” meaning “form or appearance,” or the face
or front, that one entity presents to the other one for interaction and vice
versa. The space where interactions occur between humans and machines
is what is called an interface in computing (Figure 1-1).

3
Chapter 1 Setting the Stage for the Interfaceless Future

Figure 1-1. Interface Paradigm

From this type of interaction, we can distinguish two types of


interfaces: software (auditory or visual elements called screen-based
like windows, icons, menus, pointers) and hardware (mouse, keyboard,
touchscreen). Interfaces matter profoundly because they guide the
user experience as well as being a reflection of human psychology and
technological capability; that is to say, they need to fulfill both purposes.
While the current approach has allowed us to effectively utilize the
capabilities of technology, it does have some limitations. Firstly, users
need to learn the language and limitations of the machine in order to
adapt. Secondly, screen-based interactions sometimes divert our attention
away from engaging with our surroundings.
Moreover, this paradigm assumes that users have both cognitive
abilities. For example, individuals with physical impairments may face
challenges when using traditional interfaces, and navigating them can also
be difficult for those with learning impairments.
Lastly, the screen-based paradigm has limitations when it comes
to creating experiences that are aware of their context of use. In this
paradigm, there is a distinction between the world and the digital space.
Spatial computing is a technology that strives to bridge this gap and

4
Chapter 1 Setting the Stage for the Interfaceless Future

unite these two realms. As we evolve in the era of spatial computing


and generative AI, it becomes clear that the current interface paradigm
needs to evolve in order to embrace these emerging technologies and the
thrilling possibilities they bring for interaction.

T he Evolution of the “Interfaceless”


Philosophy
The idea of “interfaceless” is not completely new as early humans began
interacting with their surroundings without the need of switches or
buttons. In fact, the use of gestures and voice commands was the early
form of interaction (Figure 1-2).

Figure 1-2. Interfaceless Philosophy Evolution

5
Chapter 1 Setting the Stage for the Interfaceless Future

With the introduction of the first computers, the systems for interaction
were designed depending on the type of device and its capabilities (that is
one of the reasons that 2D interfaces do not make sense for more advanced
computing devices). So in the first computer models, we could see the
use of physical interfaces like the command line and punch cards, which
were like writing a letter by hand, while command-line interfaces were like
using a specific code or language to speak. As the computers evolved, the
interfaces also changed giving advent to the graphical user interfaces or
GUIs, featuring more visual and graphic displays with cursor, icons, and
windows. From here, another switch happened from button devices to
smart touch–based screens.
At the outset of mobile devices as well, the use of voice commands
and virtual assistants, like Alexa and Siri, marked the beginning of
spatial interactions and reduction of manual inputs. Next, it is the more
proliferated use of head-mounted devices (HMDs) with virtual reality,
augmented reality, or mixed reality, not only for the video game industry
but any other field of work, education, or entertainment at large, allowing
gesture and motion recognition features, facilitating the understanding of
human gestures or movement without touch. Now, we are moving next to
Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) that facilitate the reading of the human’s
intention through neural signals.
As we might presume, the move toward “interfaceless” experiences is
not only technological, practical, and functional but also philosophical,
since it’s about creating real human-centric, intuitive, and, therefore,
natural ways of interaction, making the technology the result of human
intent without being intrusive or even evident. Remember the magic
carpet from Aladdin, and other fairy tales, that could take you where you
wanted to go without telling you? That’s where we are going…
The evolution toward an “interfaceless approach” leads to profound
transformations. It also presents designers with numerous design
challenges. In the following sections, we will explore the intricacies of

6
Chapter 1 Setting the Stage for the Interfaceless Future

designing for interfaceless experiences and discuss frameworks such as


our Mindful Spatial Design Framework (MSDF) that assist in overcoming
these obstacles.

The Origins and Development of AI


In the early dreams of artificial intelligence (AI), we can see humans
always wanting to simulate other intelligences perceived in nature or
to create life itself (Figure 1-3). AI and its early beginnings are rooted in
formal math and logic with some theories developed by computer scientist
Alan Turing who imagined machines talking in the same way we talk to our
family or friends, in natural language. From there, AI was born as a formal
discipline in 1956 when the term “artificial intelligence” was officially
coined during the Dartmouth Conference in 1956, marking the beginning
of AI as a recognized field.

Figure 1-3. AI Development

7
Chapter 1 Setting the Stage for the Interfaceless Future

In its early stages, AI research primarily focused on creating machines


of emulating human thinking and effectively solving complex problems
while also learning new tasks. This phase is often referred to as “Good Old
Fashion Artificial Intelligence” (GOFAI) where AI systems were manually
programmed with predetermined rules and logical instructions.
The initial decades of AI research saw both successes and setbacks.
There were achievements such as developing computer programs for
playing chess and establishing principles for AI. However, there were
also periods commonly known as “AI winters” characterized by reduced
funding and decreased interest in applications.
However, in the 1980s a breakthrough emerged for the field with
machine learning. This approach shifted the focus from coding rules to
developing algorithms that could learn from data and make decisions
based on it, as if instead of trying to teach a robot every dance step, it
would see you dance and learn on their own!
We have also witnessed a rise in the prominence of deep learning,
which is a specific branch of machine learning that has brought about
significant advancements in AI research. These advanced models and
networks possess the capability to effectively analyze amounts of data,
identify patterns, and perform tasks like image recognition and speech
processing.
The progress of AI continued to advance during the 1990s and 2000s
thanks to advancements in algorithms as did increased accessibility to
digital data sources.
The progression of neural networks and deep learning brought more
advancements in application creations supported, leading to expansions
in data processing and storing, Internet, and speed capacity from games to
healthcare.
The most prominent concerns with the advances in AI are related with
ethics, privacy, and the potential job loss impact to fairness.

8
Chapter 1 Setting the Stage for the Interfaceless Future

As of now, AI is continuing to advance, merging with other


technologies, becoming more human centric, and empowering more
of its capabilities and autonomy. This is the right time, with the current
proficiencies, to advance toward technology that is more empathetic and
supportive for humans. Interfaceless design is here now to move toward
that future where machines and humans don’t interact separately but
integrate for human cocreation.

T he Inception and Evolution


of Generative AI
Unlike traditional AI models that strictly interpret and classify existing
data, generative AI (GenAI) has the capacity to produce novel content.
While it is grounded in the patterns and structures learned from its
training data, GenAI can extrapolate and recombine these patterns to
create content that, while inspired by the original dataset, is unique in its
own right. This ability to generate rather than merely interpret represents a
significant shift in AI’s developmental trajectory.
As AI evolved at utilizing neural networks of mid-brain structures,
generative models became more and more sophisticated, like the magic
felt pens that initially can create only line drawings and eventually can
create realistic photos of full landscapes with trees, animals, and buildings
at high-definition quality.
Generative AI, a subset of broader AI techniques, has demonstrated
its prowess in a myriad of applications. It’s been instrumental in areas of
graphic design, such as creating realistic images, and in the field of music,
where it’s been used for composition. In the pharmaceutical sector, for
example, while AI—including traditional machine learning models and
newer generative techniques—has been assisting in the discovery and
optimization of drug molecules, generative AI’s capability to generate

9
Another random document with
no related content on Scribd:
getting too old to deal with children. Let us hope that your
stepmother may have better success than I have had.”
“I’m very sorry, Grandma,” murmured conscientious Daisy, the tears
of mortification starting to her eyes. “We really did want to be good,
and we hated being burdens.”
“Well, we won’t say any more about it,” interrupted Grandma, rather
hurriedly. “I dare say you have been no worse than the majority of
children, except for your absurd behavior of this morning, which is
really beyond the comprehension of any sane person. Now go to
your room and change your dresses. You none of you look fit to be
seen, and I wish you to be on the piazza to greet your father and his
wife. I have received another telegram saying they will arrive by the
five-ten.”
None of the four had dreamed of getting off so easily, and yet as
they climbed the stairs to their own room, they were all very silent.
“It’s rather nice to get back, isn’t it?” remarked Molly, a little
unsteadily, glancing about the familiar bedroom, as Dulcie set down
the valise and began removing the various articles she had packed
so proudly only that morning.
“It seems as if we’d been away for a long time,” said Maud. “I didn’t
know one day could be so long. Perhaps it’s because we got up so
early. I think I’m getting a little sleepy.”
“Lie down and rest,” Daisy suggested. “It isn’t time to dress yet, and
perhaps you can get a little nap.”
Maud promptly curled herself up on the bed she and Molly shared,
and in five minutes had fallen fast asleep. But none of the others felt
at all inclined to follow her example. They were all far too much
excited to sleep. They sat close together, and talked in low, subdued
voices, so as not to disturb Maud.
“There’s one thing we can be thankful for,” said Daisy. “We’ve found
out that stepmothers aren’t all bad, and that’s a great relief. I don’t
believe Mrs. Thorne ever thought Barbara a burden.”
“No, I don’t believe she did,” Dulcie agreed, “but then Barbara was
only three when Mrs. Thorne married her father, and you can’t help
loving a cunning little girl of three, but it will be quite different with us.
Grandma will be sure to tell her how horrid we are, and then she’ll
begin to hate us.”
“She won’t hate us if she’s anything like Mrs. Thorne,” said Daisy,
with conviction. “Anyhow, Papa loves us, and he won’t say we’re
horrid. Why shouldn’t she believe him just as well as Grandma?”
“Perhaps he’ll think we’ve grown worse since he went away,” said
Dulcie, mournfully, but Daisy refused to listen to any such gloomy
possibilities.

“Do we say ‘How do you do, stepmother?’”—Page 275.


“Mrs. Thorne said she was sure Papa wouldn’t marry anybody who
wasn’t going to love us,” she maintained, “and I’m not going to worry
any more than I can help. Now let’s think about dressing up. I’m
going to curl Maud’s hair the way Lizzie used to do it, and Molly must
wear her white muslin with pink ribbons.”
As the clock on the stairs struck five, the four little girls, all dressed in
their best, stepped out on the piazza, and seated themselves in a
solemn row to await the arrival of the station hack. They were all
feeling very nervous, even Daisy, and nobody felt much like talking.
Grandma was still in her room, and they had the piazza to
themselves.
“Shall we have to kiss the stepmother?” Maud inquired, anxiously.
“It will depend on whether she wants to kiss us or not,” answered
Dulcie. “We shall kiss Papa first, of course, and then we’ll see what
she wants to do.”
“Do we say ‘How do you do, stepmother?’” Maud wanted to know.
Dulcie shook her head.
“I don’t think that would do,” she said, doubtfully. “It doesn’t sound
exactly polite.”
“Barbara calls Mrs. Thorne ‘Mamma,’” said Molly. “Do you think she
will want us to call her Mamma?”
“I hope not,” said Dulcie, reddening. “I don’t want to call anybody
Mamma except our own dear mamma in Heaven.”
“Barbara talked about her first mamma,” Daisy reminded them. “I
think we’d better let Papa decide what we are to call her. He’s sure
to know what is right,” she finished, with the comforting conviction
that Papa always knew best about everything.
Just then the whistle of an approaching train fell upon their ears, and
Grandma, in her best black silk, came out onto the piazza.
It was only a quarter of a mile to the station, and in the silence that
followed they could hear the stopping of the train, and then the
puffing of the engine as it moved on again. Grandma sat in a
rocking-chair and folded her hands in her lap. She didn’t look in the
least excited, not even ruffled. As for the four little girls, their hearts
were beating so fast they could scarcely breathe. Half-unconsciously
Dulcie slipped her hand into Daisy’s, and held it tight. There followed
five minutes of breathless suspense, and then came the sound of
approaching wheels. In another moment the station hack had turned
in at the gate, and drawn up before the front steps.
“Papa, dear, dear Papa!” In the first joyful moment everything else in
the world was forgotten, and four pairs of arms were held out, as four
little figures rushed forward to meet the tall, smiling gentleman, who
had sprung from the carriage, and was bounding up the steps.
“Well, chicks, here I am!” cried Mr. Winslow, kissing them all round,
“glad to see me, eh? Not half as glad as I am to see you all, I’ll be
bound. How you have grown, Dulcie. How well you are looking,
Daisy. Can these two big girls really be my babies, Molly and Maud?
And here’s Grandma, too.” And he released himself from the
children’s clinging arms, and went forward to greet his stepmother.
And now there was another joyful cry, but this time it was mingled
with astonishment.
“Miss Leslie, oh, Miss Leslie, we’re so glad to see you! We never
knew you were coming, too.” And the pretty young lady, who had
followed Mr. Winslow up the steps, suddenly found herself being
violently hugged by four very excited little girls.
“Where’s Uncle Stephen?” inquired Daisy, who was the first to
recover from the surprise. “Didn’t Uncle Stephen come, too?”
Miss Leslie laughed and blushed.
“No, dear,” she said, “he didn’t come this time, but he sent a great
deal of love to you all, and hopes to see you when he comes East
next winter.”
“But—but, isn’t he going to—aren’t you——” Daisy paused in utter
bewilderment. If Miss Leslie were not going to marry Uncle Stephen,
then why had she come? And, more astonishing still, where, oh,
where was the dreaded stepmother? She glanced in the direction of
the hack, in quest of a third occupant, but the only other person to be
seen was the driver, who had sprung down from his seat and was
lifting out the bags.
In the meantime Maud was giving Miss Leslie an important bit of
news.
“We’re making you some wedding presents,” she announced, giving
the visitor’s hand an affectionate squeeze. “I won’t tell you what they
are, because they’re going to be a surprise.”
Mr. Winslow caught the words, and turned anxiously to his mother.
“What does she mean?” he inquired, sharply. “They haven’t been
told, have they?”
“I am sorry to say they have,” Mrs. Winslow answered. “It was not
my fault. I have said nothing, in accordance with your request, and
neither has Kate. All the trouble has come through that meddlesome
gossip, Lizzie. I always told you she was not the proper person to
have the care of children, but you would never listen.”
Mr. Winslow looked annoyed, but before he could speak, Molly put
into words the question that had been filling all their minds.
“Where is she?” she demanded, looking in astonishment from one
face to another.
“Where is who, dear?” Miss Leslie asked, gently.
“Why, the stepmother,” said Molly. “Lizzie said Papa was bringing her
home.”
Miss Leslie laughed.
“I am the stepmother,” she said, and stooped to kiss the astonished
Molly as she spoke.

It was long past the children’s bedtime, as Grandma had several


times reminded them, but somehow nobody had seemed to hear,
and at last Grandma had gone indoors, in disgust, leaving the rest of
the Winslow family on the piazza. They were a very happy party.
Dulcie and Daisy each occupied an arm of their father’s chair, Molly
sat on his knee, and Maud was comfortably ensconced in the lap of
the “stepmother”!
“It’s been the most wonderful day we ever had in our lives,” said
Daisy, with a little sigh of utter content. “It began pretty badly, but the
end was beautiful.”
“I shall never, never again try to imitate book people,” declared
Dulcie. “Things never happen the way you expect them to. I ought to
have found it out the day we tried to find ‘the stolen child,’ but I went
right on, and did another silly thing, that was a great deal worse. Oh,
Papa dear, are you quite sure you don’t think I ought to be
punished? It really was all my fault, you know.”
Mr. Winslow smiled and patted her cheek.
“I think we will let the punishment go this once,” he said, glancing at
his wife. “Don’t you agree with me, Florence?”
“I certainly do,” the stepmother answered, heartily. “All is well that
ends well, you know, and I don’t believe they will try looking for
situations again.”
“No, indeed, we won’t,” promised Dulcie. “Oh, Mamma, if we had
only known it was going to be you, we should have been so happy!”
“You don’t think I am going to be a cruel stepmother, then?” Mrs.
Winslow said, smiling.
“I don’t believe you could be cruel, even if you tried,” Dulcie
declared, and Daisy added, softly:
“We loved you the first time we saw you, and we’ve been loving you
ever since. We were so glad when we thought you were going to
marry Uncle Stephen, but to have you for our own mamma is the
most beautiful thing that could possibly happen.”
There were tears in Mrs. Winslow’s eyes, and she drew Daisy to her
side and kissed her.
“You haven’t loved me one bit more than I have loved you,” she said,
a little unsteadily. “I have been longing for you all ever since that
afternoon last January, and, oh, I do hope God will help me to be a
real mother to you.”
They were all silent for a moment after that. It was very beautiful out
there in the moonlight, and nobody felt like speaking. At last Molly
broke the silence.
“Do you really mean it?” she questioned, anxiously. “You’re not just
saying it to be polite, are you?”
“Mean what, dear?” Mrs. Winslow asked.
“That about wanting us ever since last winter?”
“Indeed I do mean it,” her stepmother answered, and there was a
ring of sincerity in her voice that banished the children’s last lingering
doubt. “I have never wanted anything quite so much in my life. Why,
Molly darling, I wanted you even before I ever saw you.”
“Why, then,” cried Dulcie, with sparkling eyes, “it’s all right, children.
We know Papa wants us, and if Mamma does, too, why—why, don’t
you see—oh, it’s so beautiful! We won’t be burdens or incumbrances
any more!”
The End
Only Dollie
By Nina Rhoades Illustrated by Bertha
Davidson Square 12mo Cloth
THIS is a brightly written story of a girl of
twelve, who, when the mystery of her birth
is solved, like Cinderella, passes from
drudgery to better circumstances. There
is nothing strained, or unnatural at any
point. All descriptions or portrayals of
character are life-like, and the book has
an indescribable appealing quality which
wins sympathy and secures success.
“It is delightful reading at all times.”—Cedar Rapids (Ia.)
Republican.
“It is well written, the story runs smoothly, the idea is good,
and it is handled with ability.”—Chicago Journal.

The Little Girl Next Door


By Nina Rhoades. Large 12mo Cloth Illustrated by
Bertha Davidson
A DELIGHTFUL story of true and genuine friendship
between an impulsive little girl in a fine New York home
and a little blind girl in an apartment next door. The little
girl’s determination to cultivate the acquaintance, begun
out of the window during a rainy day, triumphs over the
barriers of caste, and the little blind girl proves to be in
every way a worthy companion. Later a mystery of birth is
cleared up, and the little blind girl proves to be of gentle
birth as well as of gentle manners.

Winifred’s Neighbors
By Nina Rhoades Illustrated by Bertha G. Davidson
Large 12mo Cloth
LITTLE Winifred’s efforts to find some
children of whom she reads in a book
lead to the acquaintance of a neighbor of
the same name, and this acquaintance
proves of the greatest importance to
Winifred’s own family. Through it all she is
just such a little girl as other girls ought to
know, and the story will hold the interest
of all ages.

The Children on the Top Floor


By Nina Rhoades Large 12mo Cloth
Illustrated by Bertha Davidson
IN this book little Winifred Hamilton, the
child heroine of “Winifred’s Neighbors,”
reappears, living in the second of the four
stories of a New York apartment house.
On top floor are two very interesting
children, Betty, a little older than Winifred,
who is now ten, and Jack, a brave little
cripple, who is a year younger. In the end comes a glad
reunion, and also other good fortune for crippled Jack, and
Winifred’s kind little heart has once more indirectly caused
great happiness to others.

How Barbara Kept Her Promise


By Nina Rhoades Large 12mo Cloth Illustrated by
Bertha Davidson
Two orphan sisters, Barbara, aged twelve, and little Hazel,
who is “only eight,” are sent from their early home in
London to their mother’s family in New York. Faithful
Barbara has promised her father that she will take care of
pretty, petted, mischievous Hazel, and how she tries to do
this, even in the face of great difficulties, forms the story
which has the happy ending which Miss Rhoades wisely
gives to all her stories.

Little Miss Rosamond


By Nina Rhoades Illustrated by Bertha
G. Davidson Large 12mo
ROSAMOND lives in Richmond, Va., with
her big brother, who cannot give her all
the comfort that she needs in the trying
hot weather, and she goes to the seaside
cottage of an uncle whose home is in
New York. Here she meets Gladys and
Joy, so well known in a previous book,
“The Little Girl Next Door,” and after some complications
are straightened out, bringing Rosamond’s honesty and
kindness of heart into prominence, all are made very
happy.

For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of


price by the publishers

LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO.,


BOSTON
“Brick House Books”
By NINA RHOADES.
Cloth 12mo Illustrated

Priscilla of the
Doll Shop
THE “Brick House Books,” as they are
called from their well-known cover
designs, are eagerly sought by children all
over the country. There are three good
stories in this book, instead of one, and it
is hard to say which little girls, and boys,
too, for that matter, will like the best.

Brave Little Peggy


PEGGY comes from California to New Jersey to live with a
brother and sister whom she has not known since very
early childhood. She is so democratic in her social ideas
that many amusing scenes occur, and it is hard for her to
understand many things that she must learn. But her good
heart carries her through, and her conscientiousness and
moral courage win affection and happiness.

The Other Sylvia


EIGHT-year-old Sylvia learns that girls
who are “Kings’ Daughters” pledge
themselves to some kind act or service,
and that one little girl named Mary has
taken it upon herself to be helpful to all
the Marys of her acquaintance. This is
such an interesting way of doing good
that she adopts it in spite of her unusual
name, and really finds not only “the other Sylvia,” but great
happiness.

For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of


price by the publishers

LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO.,


BOSTON
DOROTHY BROWN
By NINA RHOADES
Illustrated by Elizabeth Withington Large 12mo
THIS is considerably longer than the other
books by this favorite writer, and with a
more elaborate plot, but it has the same
winsome quality throughout. It introduces
the heroine in New York as a little girl of
eight, but soon passes over six years and
finds her at a select family boarding
school in Connecticut. An important part
of the story also takes place at the Profile
House in the White Mountains. The charm
of school-girl friendship is finely brought out, and the
kindness of heart, good sense and good taste which find
constant expression in the books by Miss Rhoades do not
lack for characters to show these best of qualities by their
lives. Other less admirable persons of course appear to
furnish the alluring mystery, which is not all cleared up
until the very last.
“There will be no better book than this to put into the
hands of a girl in her teens and none that will be better
appreciated by her.”—Kennebec Journal.

MARION’S VACATION
By NINA RHOADES
Illustrated by Bertha G. Davidson 12mo
THIS book is for the older girls, Marion being thirteen. She
has for ten years enjoyed a luxurious home in New York
with the kind lady who feels that the time
has now come for this aristocratic though
lovable little miss to know her own
nearest kindred, who are humble but most
excellent farming people in a pretty
Vermont village. Thither Marion is sent for
a summer, which proves to be a most
important one to her in all its lessons.
“More wholesome reading for half grown
girls it would be hard to find; some of the
same lessons that proved so helpful in that classic of the
last generation ‘An Old Fashioned Girl’ are brought home
to the youthful readers of this sweet and sensible story.”—
Milwaukee Free Press.

For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of


price by the publishers

LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., Boston


TOP-OF-THE-WORLD STORIES
Translated from the Scandinavian
Languages
By EMILIE POULSSON and LAURA
POULSSON
Illustrated in two colors by Florence Liley
Young
THESE stories of magic and adventure
come from the countries at the “top of the
world,” and will transport thither in fancy
the children who read this unusual book.
They tell of Lapps and reindeer (even a
golden-horned reindeer!), of prince and
herd-boy, of knights and wolves and trolls,
of a boy who could be hungry and merry
at the same time—of all these and more
besides! Miss Poulsson’s numerous and
long visits to Norway, her father’s land, and the fact that
she is an experienced writer for children are doubtless the
reasons why her translations are sympathetic and skilful,
and yet entirely adapted to give wholesome pleasure to
the young public that she knows so well.
“In these stories are the elements of wonder and magic
and adventure that furnish the thrill so much appreciated
by boys and girls ten or twelve years of age. An
aristocratic book—one that every young person will be
perpetually proud of.”—Lookout, Cincinnati, O.
“In this book the children are transported to the land they
love best, the land of magic, of the fairies and all kinds of
wonderful happenings. It is one of the best fairy story
books ever published.”—Argus-Leader, Sioux Falls, S. D.

For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of


price by the publishers

Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co. Boston


YULE-TIDE IN MANY LANDS
BY MARY P. PRINGLE and CLARA A.
URANN
Fully illustrated and decorated
12mo Cloth Price, $1.50
THE varying forms of Christmas
observance at different times and in
different lands are entertainingly shown
by one trained in choosing and presenting
the best to younger readers. The
symbolism, good cheer, and sentiment of
the grandest of holidays are shown as
they appeal in similar fashion to those
whose lives seem so widely diverse. The
first chapter tells of the Yule-Tide of the
Ancients, and the eight succeeding chapters deal
respectively with the observance of Christmas and New
Year’s, making up the time of “Yule,” or the turning of the
sun, in England, Germany, Scandinavia, Russia, France,
Italy, Spain, and America. The space devoted to each
country has at least one good illustration.
“The descriptions as presented in this well-prepared
volume make interesting reading for all who love to come
in loving contact with others in their high and pure
enjoyments.”—Herald-Presbyter, Cincinnati.
“The way Yule-Tide was and is celebrated is told in a
simple and instructive way, and the narrative is enriched
by appropriate poems and excellent illustrations.”—
Cleveland Plain Dealer.
“It is written for young people and is bound to interest
them for the subject is a universal one.”—American
Church Sunday School Magazine.

For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of


price by the publishers

Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co. Boston


TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES:
Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.
Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been
standardized.
Archaic or variant spelling has been retained.
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