Category: CSCW
Commentary2: Also available as Research Report 90/404/28,
        Dept of Computer Science, University of Calgary,
        Alberta, Canada.
Abstract: For groupware to be considered successful, it must
        be usable and acceptable by every member of the
        group. Yet the differences present between group
        members - their varying roles, needs, skills and the
        differences between groups are a serious obstacle to
        achieving uniform acceptance of the groupware
        product, especially when the product treats all
        people and groups identically. This paper discusses
        the consequences that may occur as a result of not
        accommodating individual differences, and then
        offers a possible solution to the problem. First,
        instances of groupware failure are described: the
        inability of the group to reach a critical mass; the
        unequal accessibility of the groupware by
        participants; the failure to accommodate the
        different roles participants may play; the failure
        to balance the work done against the benefits
        received; and the failure of groupware to evolve
        with the needs of the group. Second, the notion of
        personalizable groupware is proposed, defined as a
        system whose behaviour can be altered to match the
        particular needs of group participants and of each
        group as a whole. Finally, the paper presents a
        working example of personalized groupware. Share is
        a shared screen system that offers its users a
        flexible choice of floor control models to help them
        mediate their interactions with the shared
        application.
Bibtype: InProceedings
Booktitle: European Conference of Computer Supported
        Cooperative Work
Author: S. Greenberg
Month: September
Title: Personalizable groupware: Accomodating individual
        roles and group differences
Note: conceptual, shared views
Year: 1991
Address: Amsterdam