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136 Chapter 4 Design For collaboration and communication

There are several other well known conceptual frameworks that are used to
analyze how people collaborate and communicate, including activity theory, eth-
nomethodology, situated action and common ground theory.

Assignment
The aim of this design activity is for you to analyze the design of a collaborative virtual envi-
ronment (CVE) with respect to how it is designed to support collaboration and communication.
Visit an existing CVE (many are freely downloadable) such as V-Chat (vchat.microsoft.
com), one of the many Worlds Away environments (www.worlds.net), or the Palace
(www.communities.com). Try to work out how they have been designed to take into account
the following:
(a) General social issues
What is the purpose of the CVE?
What kinds of conversation mechanisms are supported?
What kinds of coordination mechanisms are provided?
What kinds of social protocols and conventions are used?
What kinds of awareness information is provided?
Does the mode of communication and interaction seem natural or awkward?
(b) Specific interaction design issues
What form of interaction and communication is supported (e.g., textlaudiolvideo)?
What other visualizations are included? What information do they convey?
How do users switch between different modes of interaction (e.g., exploring and
chatting)? Is the switch seamless?
Are there any social phenomena that occur specific to the context of the CVE that
wouldn't happen in face to face settings (e.g., flaming)?
(c) Design issues
What other features might you include in the CVE to improve communication
and collaboration?