A Framework for Computer Supported Cooperative Work
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7146/dpb.v17i253.7609Abstract
A conceptual framework for computer supported cooperative work is presented. A distinction is made between the context of the work, the use situation (which is a part of the context), and the computer system. The context of the work refers to the totality of the work: the kind of work, its organisation, etc. Cooperative work is seen as an aspect of the context of the work. The use situation is more delimited, it is the work situation(s) where the computer system actually is used.
The use relation is defined to be the relation between the context of the work, including the use situation, and the computer system. Computer supported cooperative work is defined as a quality of this relation. This quality is obtained when the computer system is used in such a way that the cooperative aspects of the work are supported. This definition denies that computer supported cooperative work should be seen as a property of the context of the work or of the computer system alone.
The use relation can be of many kinds. Three use relations: medium, shared material, and tool are of special interest to computer supported cooperative world.
Two applications of the framework are pointed at. One is its use in analysis when computer support for cooperative work is to be developed. The other is its application as a relevance criterion for research in computer supported cooperative work.
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