Combining CSCW and user support techniques to design collaborative user interfaces
Riitta Hellman · Interacting with Computers · 1992
The paper is concerned with the complexities of collaboration and collaborative relations in organizations. Examples of coordinating communications are provided, and a case organization (case study) exemplifying the complexities of these communications is presented. It is argued that such complexities can be accommodated within computer-based systems and some example user interfaces, based on the case organization and implemented in HyperCard, are presented to illustrate this point. The first example is of electronic information media; the second a working role description; while the third provides an illustration of physical workspace. In connection with these, a visual orientation vehicle for the example environment is sketched and general structures for the design of such interfaces are provided. It is suggested that these types of interface can enhance existing forms of computer-mediated collaboration, as well as create new kinds of collaborative opportunity. Lastly, existing computer-supported cooperative work technologies are discussed as additional forms of user support that might be of use in the particular environment of the case organization.