Facilitating synchronization and coordination within dispersed emergency management teams

Abstract

Motivation -- A team is capable to resolve issues beyond the limits of the individual at the price of an additional layer of cognitive resources as team members must coordinate and synchronize their activities. Literature shows that the inter-predictability and observability of others' action is one of the key ingredients that foster team performance. Little research, however, is dedicated to design specifically for observability and inter-predictability with a dispersed team. Designing and evaluating a prototype that facilitates inter-predictability and observability results in improved team performance.Research approach -- The approach is both qualitative and empirical using an iterative design method. In parallel data gathered from emergency management training sessions and prototyping the artefact. Subsequently an experimental and valorisation phase leads to empirical results concerning the support value for coordination and synchronization within dispersed teams.Findings/Design -- This paper is an initial step towards the understanding of difficulties that exist within dispersed team in a crisis organization. Findings from a number of observations in combination with a number of studies show encouraging indications that back our motivation and initial ideas. These have led to an initial design for a prototype.Take away message -- The idea to facilitate inter-predictability and observability within dispersed team has a potential to enhance team effectiveness.