| authors |
Kvan, Th., West, R. and Vera, A. |
| year |
1997 |
| title |
Tools for a Virtual Design Community |
| source |
Preprints Formal Aspects of Collaborative CAD, ed. M. L. Maher, J. S. Gero & F. Sudweeks, Sydney: Key Centre of Design Computing, Department of Architectural and Design Science, University of Sydney, pp. 109-123 |
| summary |
This paper proposes a methodology to evaluate the effects of computer-mediated communication on collaboratively solving design problems. When setting up a virtual design community; choices must be made between a variety of tools; choices dictated by budget; bandwidth; ability and availability. How do you choose between the tools; which is useful and how will each affect the outcome of the design exchanges you plan? A commonly used method is to analyze the work done and to identify tools which support this type of work. In general; research on the effects of computer-mediation on collaborative work has concentrated mainly on social-psychological factors such as deindividuation and attitude polarization; and used qualitative methods. In contrast; we propose to examine the process of collaboration itself; focusing on separating those component processes which primarily involve individual work from those that involve genuine interaction. Extending the cognitive metaphor of the brain as a computer; we view collaboration in terms of a network process; and examine issues of control; coordination; and delegation to separate sub-processors. Through this methodology we attempt to separate the individual problem-solving component from the larger process of collaboration. |
| keywords |
CSCW; Group Work; Design; Expertise; Collaboration; Novice |
| series |
other |
| email |
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| references |
Content-type: text/plain
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| last changed |
2002/11/15 18:29 |
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