Meaning: The quote "Our information lives will be better served when we are free to get to our information from wherever we are, with any device available" by Donald Norman, a scientist and design advocate, encapsulates the essence of ubiquitous computing and the importance of universal access to information. In today's digital age, the way we interact with and access information has undergone a significant transformation. The proliferation of mobile devices, cloud computing, and ubiquitous connectivity has made it possible for individuals to access information anytime, anywhere, and from any device. This concept of seamless accessibility has become a fundamental aspect of modern information management and communication.

Donald Norman's quote emphasizes the idea that our information lives, or the way we engage with and rely on information, will be greatly improved when we have the freedom to access it without constraints of time, location, or specific devices. This freedom has been made possible by technological advancements that have rendered information more fluid and adaptable to various contexts. Whether it's accessing work documents on a smartphone during a commute, retrieving recipes on a tablet in the kitchen, or checking emails on a smartwatch while exercising, the ability to access information across different devices and locations has become a defining feature of contemporary information consumption.

The concept of universal access to information aligns with the principles of user-centered design, a field in which Donald Norman has made significant contributions. User-centered design focuses on creating products and systems that are intuitive, efficient, and user-friendly. In the context of information access, this means ensuring that individuals can seamlessly retrieve the information they need without being hindered by technological barriers or limitations. The quote underscores the importance of designing information systems and interfaces that are responsive to the diverse ways in which users interact with information, whether through traditional computers, mobile devices, wearables, or other emerging technologies.

Furthermore, the idea of accessing information from any device reflects the trend towards platform-agnosticism, where the specific hardware or operating system becomes less relevant as long as the user can access the desired information. This shift has been facilitated by the development of cloud-based services, which allow data to be stored and accessed from remote servers, enabling users to synchronize their information across multiple devices. As a result, the boundaries between different devices have become increasingly blurred, and users can seamlessly transition from one device to another without losing access to their information.

From a societal perspective, the quote speaks to the democratization of information access. In the past, access to information was often constrained by factors such as geographical location, socioeconomic status, or institutional affiliations. However, the ubiquity of information access has the potential to level the playing field, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to tap into a wealth of knowledge and resources. This has implications for education, professional development, and civic engagement, as it empowers people to seek out information and participate in various spheres of society regardless of their physical location or the devices at their disposal.

In conclusion, Donald Norman's quote encapsulates the transformative impact of ubiquitous computing on the way we engage with information. The freedom to access information from any location and device has become a defining characteristic of modern information lives, enabling seamless interaction with information and empowering individuals to transcend traditional constraints. As technology continues to evolve, the principles of universal access and user-centered design will remain central to shaping the future of information accessibility and utilization.