Papers
2001
Unfocused Interaction in Distributed Workgroups: Establishing Group Presence in a Web-Based Environment
- Where: CAAD Futures | pages 401-414 | 2001
- Abstract
Face-to-face human interaction is divided into "focused" and "unfocused"
types. Unfocused interaction often conveys important content and context
information and contributes to group cohesiveness and effectiveness. Research
in Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) and Computer Supported
Collaborative Work (CSCW) is also concerned with human interaction. CMC
tools, such as electronic mail, and CSCW tools, such as Decision Support
Systems (DSS) and Group Support Systems (GSS) provide for focused
interaction among members of distributed workgroups. However, little has
been published regarding unfocused interaction in distributed workgroups,
where group members' primary work activities hold "center-stage" and
communication activities are peripheral, though this describes many
distributed educational and work situations. A framework for studying this
type of support using standard web browsers and server applications is
described, and informal preliminary results are discussed. Opportunities for
future support of peripheral awareness and unfocused interaction are also
discussed. - Author: Brian R Johnson
- Document: Link
- Related Project: Compadres