Computer Supported Teamwork

Abstract

This chapter briefly describes the emerging Automated Office Metaphor, with particular emphasis on its ability to share captured and computed information, within small project teams. Instruments are formal documents that are used in an unautomated office to assist with the collection of information. They usually exist as paper forms. This chapter emphasizes that it is the organization and design of the electronic equivalent of these instruments that turn the mere sharing of information into a conferencing system that supports small project teamwork. A number of instruments are described, emphasizing both the ease with which they are designed and the way in which they tailor and organize cooperative work. Problems that might arise if this new user interface were to be adopted for serious activity are discussed.