CSCW: Evolution and Status of Computer Supported Cooperative Work

Abstract

Recently we have experienced an exponential increase in the use of work groups to solve business problems, make decisions and develop products. In the past five years several products and facilities have come on-line which provide computer support for group activities. As is typical of new fields, this domain goes by many names, the most common being computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW). The pace of research and development in CSCW is brisk. In this symposium we review these developments and describe the state-of-the-art. Many forms of CSCW exist, but here we will focus specifically on collaboration that occurs in the same time and place. Since much of the literature does not overlap that of the typical human factors professional, the review focuses on the interests and concerns of our discipline. Included in the review are five of the better known labs: Capture Lab (EDS), Project Nick (MCC), Prexsys (U. of Arizona), the Pod (ICL), and Colab (Xerox). Also reviewed is our own work-in-progress at the Collaboration Technology Suite at the University of Michigan and Andersen Consulting, and the Behavioral and Environmental Research group at Steelcase, Inc. Four areas of concern are covered: the nature of group work, technological alternatives, ergonomic and environmental concerns, and future directions. CSCW technology holds much promise for facilitating group performance. It is felt that existing and emerging CSCW technology is not the obstacle but rather a catalyst for change, potentially altering the process and content of collaborative work.