Towards Incorporating Computer Applications in Cooperative Work Arrangements — An activity theoretical approach

In this paper some first steps are taken toward a framework for design of computer systems which are incorporated in cooperative work arrangements. The framework is later to be used in further empirical studies. The framework emphasises work, and how individual work relates to cooperative work and the work arrangement it is part of. Activity theory is taken as a basis, and is developed by discussing how the computer is incorporated in all aspects of human activity. Further studies will examine the important question of how the different roles of the computer are to be integrated.