Improving collaboration efficiency via diverse networked mobile devices

Abstract

We introduce a framework for distributed or colocated teams to collaborate highly efficiently using diverse mobile devices for design and assessment of complex systems. Our framework enhances the efficiency of collaborations arising in design, simulation or data analysis, including visualization. First, we investigate which requirements on such a collaboration framework exist and which influences between task models have to be taken into account; afterwards we transfer those findings into a prototypical system. The devices provide three views of data to be processed collaboratively: (1) a simulation view; (2) a status report view; and (3) a status update view. These views serve the purpose of providing overview, detail and performance views. A smart watch view shows at-a-glance information, the environment or the process being inspected, possibly influenced by a user. Users can use their mobile devices as control interfaces. The framework is especially effective for combining the synergis- tic, complementary competencies of a team. We describe the design of our framework and discuss specific applications.

Dependency Graph Based on User Taxonomy and Related Parameters for more Efficient Collaborative Work

“…Those are supported by continuously informing others about changes that have occurred outside their views [5]. Really interesting findings have furthermore been explored by Johnson et al who stated, that not all team members must be fully aware of the entire scope of an activity; but every participant needs to be aware of the interdependence in-between their activities [4]. The awareness of tasks and performed activities within a collaborative work session influences the coordination and performance of tasks in a positive manner.…”

“…The interactive 2-dimensional layout uses draggable nodes to facilitate the recognition of existing connections. Such a collaboration environment is IN2CO (intuitive & interactive collaboration), a humancentric visualization framework for intuitive and collaborative data exploration and manipulation has been developed therefore [4]. Specifically, its contribution is the integration of ubiquitous technologies and existing techniques to explore data and dependencies in collaborative decisionmaking for co-located and distributed participants.…”