Abstract
Today, designers have access to larger amounts of content information and consequently, groups of people working collaboratively can access and communicate information both synchronously and asynchronously. The role of pen-based technologies, and in particular, the tablet PC, has also played an increasingly important role in how designers communicate through external representations. By identifying the specific effects of the tablet PCs on team communication and matching design practices we investigate how technology and communication shape team design practices. It is also important to investigate the degree to which designers adopt and utilize these unique features of the technology. In addition, the impact of attitudes on usage is of important interest, due to its relationship with the adoption and implementation of tablet PC features. Under a previous project, students were assigned into teams based on prior experiences, and tasked with creating an innovative design solution for a client. This study will use the observational data collected from that project, coupled with researcher field notes, focus group interviews, and background questionnaires to investigate if the unique features of Tablet PCs shape team communication and corresponding design practices. In addition, I investigate whether teams' previous experience with technology has an effect on design practice. Initial results show teams who had previous experience with technology are more likely to use specific features of the tablet PC to facilitate communication compared to those with little prior experience in technology. Teams leverage the features of the tablet PC to assist in the design process produced the more innovative design solutions compared to those who use methods that are more traditional.
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