Modelling Computer-related Disengagement from Collaboration in Meetings

We have noted that participants in meetings disengage from the conversation when they perform tasks with information resources such as laptop computers or pen and paper. A detailed study of five meetings has revealed a preference among participants to limit their disengagements to ten seconds. The preference is particularly evident when tasks are performed with pen and paper; also evident is the incidence of short disengagements punctuating long tasks. On the basis of these two features, we have outlined a model of paper-based task performance during meetings. We have then looked at how well participants are able to adhere to the model when performing tasks with computers, and find some areas of non-compliance. We discuss what this means for those setting requirements for technologies to be used in meetings.