The conceptual framing, design and evaluation of device ecologies for collaborative activities
A variety of computing technologies, in addition to the personal computer, are now commonly used in many settings. As networking infrastructures mature, it is increasingly feasible and affordable to consider closer integration and use of these heterogeneous devices in tandem. However, little is know...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2012
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| Online Access: | https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/1954/ |
| _version_ | 1848790691484794880 |
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| author | Coughlan, Tim Collins, Trevor D. Adams, Anne Rogers, Yvonne Haya, Pablo A. Martin, Estefania |
| author_facet | Coughlan, Tim Collins, Trevor D. Adams, Anne Rogers, Yvonne Haya, Pablo A. Martin, Estefania |
| author_sort | Coughlan, Tim |
| building | Nottingham Research Data Repository |
| collection | Online Access |
| description | A variety of computing technologies, in addition to the personal computer, are now commonly used in many settings. As networking infrastructures mature, it is increasingly feasible and affordable to consider closer integration and use of these heterogeneous devices in tandem. However, little is known about how best to design or evaluate such ‘device ecologies’; in particular, how best to combine devices to achieve a desired type of collaborative user experience. A central concern is how users switch their attention between devices, to utilize the various elements to best effect. We describe here the development of an ecology of devices for groups of students to use when engaged in collaborative inquiry-learning activities. This included a multi-touch tabletop, laptops, projections, video streams and telephone. In situ studies of students and tutors using it in three different settings showed how individuals and groups switched their foci between the multiple devices. We present our findings, using a novel method for analysing users’ transitions between foci, identifying patterns and emergent characteristics. We then discuss the importance of designing for transitions that enable groups to appropriately utilise an ecology of devices, using the concepts of seams, bridges, niches and focal character. |
| first_indexed | 2025-11-14T18:16:38Z |
| format | Article |
| id | nottingham-1954 |
| institution | University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus |
| institution_category | Local University |
| last_indexed | 2025-11-14T18:16:38Z |
| publishDate | 2012 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| recordtype | eprints |
| repository_type | Digital Repository |
| spelling | nottingham-19542020-05-04T20:21:17Z https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/1954/ The conceptual framing, design and evaluation of device ecologies for collaborative activities Coughlan, Tim Collins, Trevor D. Adams, Anne Rogers, Yvonne Haya, Pablo A. Martin, Estefania A variety of computing technologies, in addition to the personal computer, are now commonly used in many settings. As networking infrastructures mature, it is increasingly feasible and affordable to consider closer integration and use of these heterogeneous devices in tandem. However, little is known about how best to design or evaluate such ‘device ecologies’; in particular, how best to combine devices to achieve a desired type of collaborative user experience. A central concern is how users switch their attention between devices, to utilize the various elements to best effect. We describe here the development of an ecology of devices for groups of students to use when engaged in collaborative inquiry-learning activities. This included a multi-touch tabletop, laptops, projections, video streams and telephone. In situ studies of students and tutors using it in three different settings showed how individuals and groups switched their foci between the multiple devices. We present our findings, using a novel method for analysing users’ transitions between foci, identifying patterns and emergent characteristics. We then discuss the importance of designing for transitions that enable groups to appropriately utilise an ecology of devices, using the concepts of seams, bridges, niches and focal character. Elsevier 2012-10 Article PeerReviewed Coughlan, Tim, Collins, Trevor D., Adams, Anne, Rogers, Yvonne, Haya, Pablo A. and Martin, Estefania (2012) The conceptual framing, design and evaluation of device ecologies for collaborative activities. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 70 (10). pp. 765-779. ISSN 1071-5819 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1071581912000973 doi:10.1016/j.ijhcs.2012.05.008 doi:10.1016/j.ijhcs.2012.05.008 |
| spellingShingle | Coughlan, Tim Collins, Trevor D. Adams, Anne Rogers, Yvonne Haya, Pablo A. Martin, Estefania The conceptual framing, design and evaluation of device ecologies for collaborative activities |
| title | The conceptual framing, design and evaluation of device ecologies for collaborative activities |
| title_full | The conceptual framing, design and evaluation of device ecologies for collaborative activities |
| title_fullStr | The conceptual framing, design and evaluation of device ecologies for collaborative activities |
| title_full_unstemmed | The conceptual framing, design and evaluation of device ecologies for collaborative activities |
| title_short | The conceptual framing, design and evaluation of device ecologies for collaborative activities |
| title_sort | conceptual framing, design and evaluation of device ecologies for collaborative activities |
| url | https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/1954/ https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/1954/ https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/1954/ |