Exploring Computer Augmented Communication through an Examination of the Collocated Use of Multiple Mobile Displays

Computer supported collaborative work (CSCW) and specifically the subdomain of Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) has often focused on supporting face–to–face communication over a distance. This communication often has taken place in front of whiteboards [3] and large–scale displays [1], and more recently on the tabletop[4]. However, instead of studying large fixed devices around which groups gather to work, we propose studying collocated groups of users each with their own mobile device as a complement to more traditional computer mediated communication. This paper proposes a new subdomain for CSCW research that broadens the existing focus from fixed displays to multiple mobile personal displays. We term this subdomain Computer Augmented Communication (CAC) since one of the key properties is that the technology augments the communication instead of mediates it due to the collocated nature of the users. We describe the proposed subdomain through definitions, perspectives, and research directions for further investigations of this emerging subfield. In this paper we enumerate the following contributions. First, we demonstrate how CAC differs from CMC by examining systems that exhibit many of the putative properties of CMC. These systems should not be considered “proper” CMC systems as conversations are not routed through the system. Second, we explore three novel CAC systems that demonstrate different points in the collocated mobile space. Third, we discuss challenges designing for multiple mobile displays in mobile collocated systems. Finally we conclude with challenges for the evaluation of multiple mobile display systems in this emerging subfield.