Mann, P; Aczel, J; Scanlon, E and Cooper, M (2008) Supporting computer-supported collaborative work (CSCW) in conceptual design. In: Dainty, A (ed.) Proceedings of 24th Annual ARCOM Conference, 1-3 September 2008, Cardiff, UK.
Abstract
In order to gain a better understanding of online conceptual collaborative design processes this paper investigates how student designers make use of a shared virtual synchronous environment when engaged in conceptual design. The software enables users to talk to each other and share sketches when they are remotely located. The paper describes a novel methodology for observing and analysing collaborative design processes by adapting the concepts of grounded theory. Rather than concentrating on narrow aspects of the final artefacts, emerging “themes” are generated that provide a broader picture of collaborative design process and context descriptions. Findings on the themes of “grounding – mutual understanding” and “support creativity” complement findings from other research, while important themes associated with “near-synchrony” have not been emphasised in other research. From the study, a series of design recommendations are made for the development of tools to support online computer-supported collaborative work in design using a shared virtual environment.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | computer-mediated communication; computer-supported collaborative work; conceptual design; human-computer interface; grounding |
| Index terms: | designer, computer-mediated communication, grounded theory, creativity, virtual environment, conceptual design, collaborative design, artefact, methodology |
| Subjects: | innovation and creative processes, sociology, design practice, theoretical framing, communication studies, research methods, design methods, profession, virtual reality |
| Topics: | Information Management, Research Practice, Roles and Professions, Digital Applications, Design Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here