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As Virtual Reality (VR) products are becoming more widely available in the consumer market, improving the usability of these devices and environments is crucial. In this paper, we are going to introduce a framework for the usability evaluation of collaborative 3D virtual environments based on a large-scale usability study of a mixedmodality collaborative VR system. We first review previous literature about important usability issues related to collaborative 3D virtual environments, supplemented with our research in which we conducted 122 interviews after participants solved a collaborative virtual reality task. Then, building on the literature review and our results, we extend previous usability frameworks. We identified twelve different usability problems, and based on the causes of the problems, we grouped them into three main categories: VR environment-, device interaction-, and task-specific problems. The framework can be used to guide the usability evaluation of collaborative VR environments.

This paper describes elements of user experience of a collaborative 3D immersive virtual information management environment. We detail those elements that are seen to both improve and deteriorate user experience, and provide design guidance for researchers and designers. We designed the 3D virtual environment in the Virtual Collaboration Arena (VirCA) collaborative space specifically to study the collaborative information retrieval and management behaviors of users. We conducted 117 interviews and then analyzed the data using a qualitative content analysis to identify the main elements of user experience. While participants generally reacted positively to the environment, they also mentioned a few distracting usability problems. Applying the results in the further development of VirCA can create a higher level of user experience and more effective collaboration.

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Nowadays medical work is team work of several professionals (like for example in rehabilitation) so knowledge is a central issue in this field: the fast growing biomedical knowledge base is needed to be applied as fast and as effectively as possible to avoid medical errors. The suitable method for this purpose is a knowledge management system, which is based on the specialties of medical knowledge, and the expert teams of physicians and related professionals. The aim of this article is to review the literature on three levels: (1) personal level (medical knowledge and knowledge encapsulation theory by Boshuizen and Schmidt (1992) (2) team level (medical teamwork, e.g. in rehabilitation); (3) and organizational level (knowledge management systems).The medical work has some specialties that constraint the possibilities of knowledge management. On one hand, medical knowledge in a high level of expertise is activated faster, but in a less detailed manner compared to other domains of knowledge; it is stored in an encapsulated form. On the other hand, as a consequence of medical work, any effective knowledge management system must be "baked in" the daily routine (Devenport, Glaser 2002). The user interface must be on the spot, avoiding additional efforts, and time needs. As a conclusion, this review is the integration of experiences and results from group interaction researches in high risk environment, and the practices from the knowledge management applications in several domains of work and to find the theoretical possibilities of a successful knowledge management system in the medical field. Balázs Péter HámornikDepartment of Ergonomics and Psychology, BME, 1117 Budapest, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, Hungary e-mail: hamornik@erg.bme.hu Marta JuhaszDepartment of Ergonomics and Psychology, BME, 1117 Budapest, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, Hungary e-mail: juhaszm@erg.bme.huThe purpose of this study is to form a picture of knowledge, and knowledge management, focusing on the applied field of medicine and medical knowledge and teamwork to ameliorate the medical knowledge sharing, medical practice, and patient safety. At first the definition of knowledge and knowledge management is needed, then the review of the applicability of the knowledge management systems. Focusing on the medical field, the nature of medical knowledge and the development of medical expertise are of importance. From an extra-individual perspective the most important point is the necessity and advantages of medical teamwork and knowledge sharing. On the basis of these theoretical considerations, the study presents a functioning knowledge management system showing possibilities of applying such systems in Hungary, completed with teamwork development.