Habitation and Information Technologies: Studies for the Inclusion of the Low Income Population in the Digital Society.

ABSTRACT
This paper targets the understanding of the current thinking about computerization within the domestic space, as well as to promote the so-called digital inclusion of huger parts of the society. The present-day context is analyzed in order to understand the current state of the art concerning the habitation computerization in Brazil. Nomads.usp research works have analyzed several automation systems currently available in the Brazilian market seeking which systems are really affordable and interesting to assist daily life tasks within domestic space, specially concerning low-income users. In the Nomads.usp surveys, automation and communication are understood in a sole concept, the computerizing. Internet is seen as a good way to promote the relationship between computerization and habitation, reducing digital divide. This paper considers ways to make possible these ideas and analyzes some examples in Brazil, including those developed by non-governmental organizations, local governments and communities, within housing complexes and slams as well. This work is part of the Nomads.usp research axis "Habitation and Virtuality", about the inclusion of concrete space characteristics in virtual spaces and vice-versa. For further informations see the site http://www.eesc.sc.usp.br/nomads.