Asymmetric Synchronous Collaboration Within Distributed Teams

Teams performing physical tasks must often be distributed in space, and are often organized hierarchically. This means that systems to support collaboration between members must account for the asymmetry in physical environment, organizational roles, and available technology. Using urban search and rescue as an example, we first describe the factors that cause this asymmetry. We then discuss the way information should be shared, and the type of awareness that should be supported. We suggest the use of very different display and interaction devices for operators at the organizational levels, to complement their situations and needs.