Computers in Context - But in Which Context?

This is a case study of industrial systems development. In the project studied, an advanced computer application was developed with the intention of supporting complex, cooperative work. The project participants all viewed the emerging computer application in context. However, different contexts were used by each group of actors. Since the application was placed in contexts well known by the participants, and within which their own expertise could be applied, this phenomenon could be seen as an advantage. However, a drawback was that the participants could easily misinterpret each other. They also restricted their actions to qualities which were important for the relation between the application and the particular context visible for each actor. In conclusion, systems development must transcend these limitations, while at the same time take advantage of the focusing effect each of the contexts provide.