Dimensions of Collaborative Work

Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) systems are often distinguished by the time and space proximity of their intended users. A four-quadrant graphic is often used to show the possible combinations: synchronous -co-located, synchronous -remote, asynchronous -co-located, asynchronous -remote. We argue that several dimensions other than time and space are critical to consider. In particular, we discuss the dimensions of communication range and contention with a special emphasis on synchronous, co-located collaboration systems. OVERVIEW OF THE TIME AND SPACE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM: CSCW systems are often classified by the time and space of the collaborative activities they support. The variation for the time dimension depends on whether the participants in the collaboration act at the same time (synchronous) or at different times (asynchronous). The spatial or geographic variation is that the collaborators are either in the same place (co-located) or in different places (remote). A four-quadrant graphic is often used to show the possible combinations: synchronous -co-located, synchronous -remote, asynchronous -co-located, asynchronous -remote. Within each quadrant, we can consider both the motivating group activity, as well as a computer or technology based system, which supports that activity. The matrix with illustrative examples is shown below in Table 1.