Developing CSCW tools for idea finding -: empirical results and implications for design

In this paper, we first describe a formative empirical study to inform the design of CSCW tools to support idea finding in co-located groups. Groups of students worked on creative problems with mapping and whiteboard tools in different work modes. Concluding from the results of the study, requirements are derived. A suite of tools that are informed by these requirements is presented along with typical scenarios of their usage. The suite consists of three software components covering a Mind-Mapping system (BeachMap), a novel interaction technique for successive bottom-up structuring of ideas (MagNets), and a PDA tool for asynchronous idea generation "on the road" (PalmBeach). Keywords Idea finding, computer-supported cooperative work, co-located groups, creativity, mind-mapping, production blocking, formative evaluation, large displays, humancomputer interaction, personal digital assistants, tool-suite

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2002
• Where: CSCW
• Authors: Thorsten Prante, Carsten Magerkurth, Norbert A. Streitz
• Keywords: Co-located Groups, CSCW 2002, Formative Empirical Study, Social Sciences, Tool