The conceptual framing, design and evaluation of device ecologies for collaborative practices

(2011). Tim Coughlan, Trevor D. Collins, Anne Adams, Yvonne Rogers, Pablo A. Hayae, Estefanıa Martın.  International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

Researchers examined use of “device ecologies” through observation of three instances collaborative work that took place in a tech-enhanced room. Researchers designed the device ecology (tech-enhanced room) to watch the interchange between individuals in the three groups: undergrad geology study; undergrad biodiversity study; school church historical study. Items in the device ecology included a tabletop computer (view map, compare images, write/view hypotheses), Mirrored projection of tabletop,  laptops (2 or 3), a video stream to field site, phone, content management system (platform for sharing between devices).

Researchers payed particular attention to tech set-up in room (what devices were where, multiple displays, etc.), use of devices (frequency, duration), and transitions of attention between devices and individuals (using tech vs. talking). Not surprisingly, attention transitioned often (~every 10 seconds) but differed depending on the device being used. For example, transitions from tabletop differed from mirrored projection because mirrored projection extends visibility to others allowing wider interaction (see later – focal character).

The most important aspect of this article is the discussion of how users interacted within the device ecology in terms of seams, bridges, and niches. Authors contend that these concepts can be used to determine successful design principles for device ecologies.  

“Seams are disconnects”, bridges connect, smooth out seams. Authors identify four types of seams:

  • Physical: Space between devices; often participants move selves to bridge this seam
  • Information: Info is available only in certain places; often bridged by the CMS
  • Sensory: Participants cannot experience (see/hear) information; shape movement around the ecology
  • Interface: devices have similar function but operate in different way, actions carried out in one place must be carried out in a different way on another device

Seams and bridges “provide a practical conceptual framework for designing device ecologies and understanding the actions of users in them.” (777)

“So how do we begin to think about realising high-level design goals in a device ecology?” Niches. According to the authors, in terms of device ecologies “a niche could be defined as a commonly observed pattern of foci and transitions, involving one or more devices and users in a space” and an ecology would be a collection of niches that contain differing patterns of devices and focal points. Focal character refers to the “ways in which combinations of devices make social practices visible.” Focal character  refers to the degree to which an aspect of the ecology (device) makes the social practices visible to others. Focal character of the ecology “require thinking holistically about the visibility of actions and potential use” of the ecology (devices + space + niches) that exist.

Cite:  Coughlan, T., Collins, T. D., Adams, A., Rogers, Y., Haya, P. A., & Martín, E. (2012). The conceptual framing, design and evaluation of device ecologies for collaborative activities. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 70(10), 765–779. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhcs.2012.05.008