INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND
METHODOLOGY
THE DESIGNS
THE DESIGNERS
CODING SCHEME
OBSERVATIONS
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We have developed a methodology for an experimental study of computer mediated
collaborative design (CMCD) based on the method of protocol studies. A
major point of departure in our study when compared to other protocol
studies is that we are not trying to understand the collaborative design
process, but to understand how the designers communicate and document
design information when involved in CMCD. Thus, we are observing
- the dynamics of design semantics during the session
- the design semantics stored in the final design document.
The experiment was run and documented on the WWW. In
order to compare the use of the computer in individual and
collaborative design, we developed an experiment with two computer
supported sessions for each pair of designers:
Session 1 .
Designers A and B solve Design Problem 1 (DP1) individually. During this session, the designers have access to a range of software, including the WWW (for handling the brief and storing the final documentation), a drawing program for developing design schemas, a CAD system (for generating final design drawings and 3D modelling) and a database management system. Each designer is observed to explore the way he externalises or describes the design ideas and stores their semantics. In addition to the final design documentation the video and audio records of the session provide additional information on the dynamics of design semantics.
Session 2. Designers A and B solve Design Problem 2 (DP2) collaboratively. DP2, although a different problem to DP1, is in principle similar to DP1. In addition to the software listed above, the designers have a video conferencing system with whiteboard support. Both designers are observed simultaneously during their collaborative effort. In addition to the final design documentation, synchronised video and audio records of the session record the information flow.
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