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We have been developing user interface clients as fully integrated support systems. A Work Centered Support System aids work by using direct and indirect, passive and active methods. An important property of WCSS systems is the use of form representations as passive devices to help reduce work complexity while simultaneously aid users in adaptive problem solving. Based on our experience implementing the design of three WCSSs we have distilled a set of three form-based design principles that help insure a work-centered perspective is expressed in the interface and that aid problem solving. These principles connect problem-solving objects with work domain objects at different levels of abstraction, utilize a first-person work ontology, and organize information selection and layout based on problem relationships. This paper describes the principles and uses illustrations from our designs to indicate how they reduce work complexity.
This study examined collaboration in multidisciplinary design teams to identify how such teams can be more effectively supported through information technology. Accordingly we addressed collaboration in terms of information sharing, focusing on four internal processes and six external obstacles impinging on such sharing. Six design experts involved in U.S. Air Force systems acquisition and design were interactively interviewed to elicit their knowledge concerning design team interactions and perceived obstacles to effective information sharing. This knowledge was structured as concept maps-graphical depictions of key concepts and the relational links among them. This knowledge was then categorized with respect to our focal information sharing issues and analyzed for its implications. We summarize these results and conclude by connecting them to emergent trends in information technology.
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