Supporting intergenerational groups in computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW)

The workforce is aging as older workers reenter the workforce or delay retirement. One consequence is that work groups are increasingly becoming intergenerational. Because group work relies on many collaborative tools (e.g., email, shared calendars), it is essential to understand the special requirements that intergenerational groups may have for groupware. Can we design collaborative tools that leverage the differing abilities and contributions of older and younger people in groups? We focus on how best to support intergenerational groups, offering an analysis framework that combines ideas from small groups theory and activity theory. We consider design implications for CSCW and outline design principles for groupware that supports intergenerational groups. Finally, we discuss methodological issues that arise when studying intergenerational collaborative work.