Multiple users increase the importance of users’ involvement in requirements capture and design. This can be done through user centred design procedures (see units 7, 8 and 9) and there are various other methodologies that allow for capturing the complexities involved in social interactions (participatory design, ethnography and grounded theory - a social science methodology recently applied by some CSCW researchers)

When designing CSCW systems it is important to understand the multiple roles that users have in the interaction and therefore not to design for users as one body e.g.

When designing CSCW systems it is important to understand the multiple roles that users have in the interaction and therefore not to design for users as one body e.g.

Feedback is an important element in CSCW system design. Ultimately there is a need for accurate contextualisation of data for all parties. The more appropriate social interaction feedback parties receive, the easier it will be to appropriately support social interactions e.g.

In the real world standing too close to someone or staring at them for too long would result in disapproving looks, coughs, sighs etc. A lack of the facial and body cues that we take for granted in real world situations can produce an isolating and inhibiting situation for a user.

Designing for collaborative work increases the importance of understanding all aspects of the collaborative task and potential state changes.

Keep it simple to start with, let users evaluate the system early on, and give them time and opportunity to learn how to use the system before using it for real tasks.

Integrate CSCW application with other tools users employ e.g. Make sure data from users tools can be easily incorporated into shared applications and vice versa - there is no greater waste of time than having to re-create or transform data.

Ensure interoperability with other users/systems/organizations.

Collaborative working carries overheads (time, cost, coordination, communication) as well as potential benefits (resource sharing, improved quality, cultural diversity). The trade-offs that users are prepared to make against these overheads must be understood. It is important to understand whether or not your CSCW system has lost the major benefit that could be traded off against what is considered minor inconveniences.