# Context Spaces as the Cornerstone of a Near-Transparent & Self-Reorganizing Semantic Desktop

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1805.02181 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1805.02181/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 6 May 2018.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Towards Self-organizing Personal Knowledge Assistants in Evolving Corporate Memories](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2308.01732/) (2023)
- [Data Collection of Real-Life Knowledge Work in Context: The RLKWiC Dataset](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2404.10505/) (2024)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Existing Semantic Desktops are still reproached for being too complicated to use or not scaling well. Besides, a real "killer app" is still missing. In this paper, we present a new prototype inspired by NEPOMUK and its successors having a semantic graph and ontologies as its basis. In addition, we introduce the idea of context spaces that users can directly interact with and work on. To make them available in all applications without further ado, the system is transparently integrated using mostly standard protocols complemented by a sidebar for advanced features. By exploiting collected context information and applying Managed Forgetting features (like hiding, condensation or deletion), the system is able to dynamically reorganize itself, which also includes a kind of tidy-up-itself functionality. We therefore expect it to be more scalable while providing new levels of user support. An early prototype has been implemented and is presented in this demo.