1. Outline Groupware Classification of Groupware The Time/Space Matrix
Classification by Function

2. What is Groupware? A Software specifically designed
To support group working
With cooperative requirement in mind
Groupware is not
Just tools for communication
Synonymous with CSCW (Computer-Supported Cooperative Work)

3. Classification of Groupware
Groupware can be classified by
when and where the participants are working
the function it performs for cooperative work

4. The Time/Space Matrix Classify groupware by:
when the participants are working – at the same time or not
where the participants are working – at the same place or not
Common names for axes:
time: synchronous/asynchronous
place: co-located/remote

5. Face to face communication
The Time/Space Matrix
Co-located
Remote
Synchronous
Face to face communication
Telephone
Asynchronous
Post-it Notes
Letter

6. Shared work surfaces, editors etc Co-authoring systems & calendars
The Time/Space Matrix
Co-located
Remote
Synchronous
Meeting rooms
Video Conference, Video-wall etc
Asynchronous
Argumentation tools
& Electronic conference
Shared work surfaces, editors etc
Co-authoring systems & calendars

7. Classification by FunctionP
Understanding
Dir. Communication A
Control & Feedback

8. Classification by Function
What interactions does a tool support?
Computer-mediated communication:
Direct communication between participants
Meeting & decision support systems:
Common understanding
Shared application & artifacts:
Control & feedback with shared work objects

9. Disproportionate effort
Who puts in the effort is not who gets the benefit
Example: Shared diary:
Effort: secretaries & subordinates, enter data
Benefit: for managers, easy to arrange meetings
Results: falls into disuse
Solution:
Coerce use !
Design in symmetry

10. Free rider problem Even if no bias still problem Example: Solutions:
Possible to get benefit without doing work
If everyone does it, system falls into disuse
Example:
Electronic conferences: can read but never contribute
Solutions:
Strict protocols (e.g. round robin)
Increase visibility – rely on social pressure

11. Critical mass Early telephone system:
Few subscribers – none to ring
Lots of subscribers – never stops ringing !
Electronics communications similar:
Benefit proportional to number of subscribers
Early users have negative cost/benefits
Need critical mass to give net benefits
How to get started?
Look for cliques to form core user base
Design to benefit an initial small user base

12. Organizational Issues
Groupware effects organizational structures
Communication structures reflect line management – often physical location also
– cross-organisational communication
Disenfranchises lower management disaffected staff and ‘sabotage’
Technology can be used to change management style and power structures
But need to know that is what we are doing.

13. Invisible worker Telecommunications improvements allow:
Neighborhood work centers
Home based Tele-working
Many ecological & economic benefits
Reduce family commitments but:
‘Management by presence’ doesn't work
Presence increases perceived worth – problems for promotion
Barriers to Tele-working are managerial/social not technological