User experience in using surface computing for collaborative decision making
Interactive Technology and Smart Education
ISSN: 1741-5659
Article publication date: 25 November 2013
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to report work regarding the design, development and evaluation of a surface computing application to support collaborative decision making. The domain-independent application, the so-called Ideas Mapping, builds on the principle of affinity diagramming to allow participants to analyze a problem and brainstorm around possible solutions, while they actively construct a consensus artifact – a taxonomy of their ideas.
Design/methodology/approach
Ideas Mapping was designed using a user-centred approach. During idea generation, Ideas Mapping replicates physical post-it notes on a multi-touch tabletop. Additional functionality supports student collaboration and interaction around the organization of ideas into thematic categories associated with the problem at hand. The tool was evaluated in two studies using quantitative and qualitative data.
Findings
The paper reports on the functionality and user experience while interacting with the application. The paper also reports initial findings regarding the affordances of surface computing for collaborative decision making.
Originality/value
The studies reported give insides regarding the affordances of multi-touch tabletops to support collaborative decision making. Information regarding the user experience in using such applications is reported.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This project is funded under the Cyprus Research Promotion Foundation's Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Innovation 2009-2010 (DESMI 2009-2010), co-funded by the Republic of Cyprus and the European Regional Development Fund, and specifically under “Bilateral Cooperation” (ΔIAKPATIKEΣ/KY-ΣΛO/0411).
Citation
Zaphiris, P., Loannou, A., Loizides, F. and Vasiliou, C. (2013), "User experience in using surface computing for collaborative decision making", Interactive Technology and Smart Education, Vol. 10 No. 4, pp. 297-308. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITSE-11-2012-0030
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited