Discusys: Multiple User Real-time Digital Sticky-note Affinity-diagram Brainstorming System

Abstract

Traditional-based brainstorming using sticky notes has been an integral part in many collaborative group discussion envi- ronment.Yet, despite the advancement in technology and the increased research effort to use technology to support group brainstorming, many groups still continues to relies on conventional paper-based discussion methods to generate, structure and communicate their ideas with each other. Discusys is a discussion support system that aims to augment the participants capabilities in group brainstorming by implementing 1. separation of private and public area during initial idea generation to allow ideas to mature without judgment of others 2. quick input and navigational design to help users to create, edit, view and manipulate the group generated ideas. 3. multi-platform synchronization technology to create a real-time visual information of the current status of the discussions which can be accessed by multiple users. Discusys utilized a dual-monitors PC client that separates the private and public dashboard, real-time network socket infrastructure to allow multiple users from different clients to interact with each other under one discussion ecosystem and multi-touch capabilities to create a natural, deep and structured collaborative discussion for multiple-users.