Toward HabiComp: Ethical Habit Redesign in UbiComp Through Nonverbal Nudging

This article envisions HabiComp—a paradigm shift in ubiquitous computing that redefines technology not just as a tool for seamless interaction, but as an ethical architect of habitual behavior. This project has been exploring nonverbal nudging through System 0, an ambient, context-aware cognitive preprocessing layer that supports human cognitive Systems 1 and 2 by recalibrating habitual actions while preserving autonomy. Two case studies illustrate its subtle yet profound impact: one reconfigures eating behavior through environmental cues, to foster mindful consumption, and the other reshapes digital reward structures to ethically disengage users from compulsive behaviors. Building on these insights, this article outlines key challenges and future directions, positioning HabiComp as a guiding framework for the ethical redesign of habits within ubiquitous computing.