Some advice just posted to a listserv by Tom, who consistently gives the best and most useful advice to the perplexed:
The point is, don't start by assuming the technology. Start by assuming the action, and looking for a technology to sense the action. When you're brainstorming with others on the project, give them enough information so that they can start with the same assumption... That way, they can suggest ways of solving your specific problem, rather than suggesting technologies that are similar to the ones you're thinking of, which may or may not be the right choice.
It doesn't sound so difficult, does it? Yet we keep on assuming the technology, instead of beginning with action...