Just Counting – a tool ecology for personal numeric information
Alan John Dix · 2024
Numbers are part of day-to-day life, from household budgeting to climate change. But, for many, dealing with numeric information is daunting, with multiple step changes in complexity as well as managing information sources. This paper explores this space through an ecosystem of interconnected prototype tools: TSoW interpreting orders of magnitude; calQ, a four-function calculator that shifts seamlessly to micro-spreadsheet; WS2 embedding spreadsheet-like features in web pages; and myData collating and connecting the diverse data sources. Collectively, these offer an envisionment to prompt discussion both of how end-users can more easily deal with numeric information and of the necessary technical infrastructure.