Enhancing the efficiency of multiparty interaction through computer mediation
David Novick, Jonathan Walpole · Interacting with Computers · 1990
People use various techniques to reduce the complexity of realtime multiparty conversational interaction. These techniques—formal meetings, for example—generally restrict the format of the interaction in an attempt to reduce the amount of control information which must be processed by each conversant. This allows the conversants to concentrate more on domain specific information but severely reduces the efficiency of interaction. Previous approaches to the design of computer-mediated interaction (CMI) systems have largely attempted to automate such mechanisms. This paper examines the current state of research in the area of CMI systems and suggests a new direction for research in this area based on the utilisation of control information to increase communicative efficiency. To demonstrate the practical application of these ideas, an initial design for a CMI system which uses the concept of virtual conversants is presented. The CMI system assumes the burden of processing control information and presents to each conversant: a two party interaction model for control information a multiparty interaction model for domain information.