Distributed user interfaces in public spaces using RFID-based panels

•Application of distributed user interfaces in public spaces.•Definition of a large-scale social scenario in a distributed display ecosystem.•Distribution of user interfaces among displays of different nature and technology.•Preliminary laboratory usability evaluation of Interactive Panels.

The combination and integration of services between mobile computing and context-aware applications responds to the use of mobile devices defining a wide range of distributed user interfaces to support social activities. In this paper, we propose a novel solution that combines social software with context awareness to improve users' interaction in public spaces. This approach is based on the concept of collaborative interactive panels where users share their opinions and ideas about environmental issues by performing natural gestures. And so, taking advantage of physical resources already available in public spaces combined with the use of well-known technologies, such as mobile devices and RFID, we extend the concept of social software from the Web to physical public scenarios, such as bus stations, squares, etc. As an example, we present a case of study that encourage citizens' participation in decisions related to the community environmental issues reducing the gap between the social software and users.