Should Computers Function as Collaborators?

This paper discusses the merits of drawing analogies between human-computer interaction and human-human collaboration in the light of the ever-advancing capability of computer systems. We argue that, given the differences in characteristics between humans and computers, suitable analogies should focus on the more basic, fundamental processes that make collaboration efficient, rather than aiming to equip computers with complex, human-like abilities. We demonstrate this perspective through a number of examples of observed problems with current aircraft systems.