Analysis of Observation Behavior of Shared Interruptibility Information among Distributed Offices: Case Study in a University Laboratory

Abstract

Various systems that share remote co-worker's awareness information have been proposed for realizing efficient collaborative work among distributed offices. In this study, we implemented an interruptibility sharing system in a university laboratory and assessed the observation behavior for the displayed information. Observation behavior for each target member was detected using an eye tracker to discuss the usage and effect of the system in a quantitative manner, along with the considerations of workers' job positions and relationships. The results suggested that participants observed interruptibility information approximately once an hour while at their desks. Observations were frequent during break-times rather than when the participants wanted to communicate with others. The most frequently observed targets were the participants themselves. The participants gazed the laboratory members not only in a close work relationship but also in a weak relationship. Results suggested that sharing of interruptibility information assists worker's self-reflection and contributes to the establishment of horizontal connection in an organization including members in weak work relationship.

Feasibility of Estimating Concentration Level of Japanese Document Workers Based on Kana-Kanji Conversion Confirmation Time

“…Concentration level estimation is expected to be applied to the objective assessment of intellectual productivity of offices and the analysis of its influencing factors. Moreover, if real-time estimation is attained, it could improve the intellectual productivity of office workers in various ways, such as notifying the worker his / her loss of concentration, automatically blocking distracting interruptions [9], or sharing the estimation with team members to avoid disturbing one another [46].…”