Requirements for the design of tools for computer-supported collaborative work (CSCW) in design

This paper describes an investigation into the requirements for the design and development of interactive systems to support the learning of collaborative design activities. The aim of the study is to understand the collaborative design processes while sketching in a shared white board and audio conferencing media. Empirical data on design processes have been obtained from observation of groups of design students carrying out conceptual design collaboratively in a virtual learning environment called Lyceum, software developed by the Open University to support its students in collaborative learning. The results of the study provide recommendations for the design and development of interactive systems to support such collaborative design activities.