The Project Browser: Supporting Information Access for a Project Team

The objective of our study was to design and evaluate a user interface concept for a so-called Project Browser, following a user-centered design method. Previous work has suggested that users prefer to access project-related information instrumental to the task they have to carry out. First, a domain analysis was carried out, followed by an extensive user requirements study, eliciting input from people experienced with working in project teams. This formed the basis of a prototype user interface design of a Project Browser, which provides direct access to action points and decisions taken, irrespective of the source of the information (documents, messages or meetings). The information from meetings was extracted from digital (multi-media) recordings of meetings, through the application of automatic recognition and information processing technologies. The user interface concept was evaluated with a number of prospective users which resulted in positive and promising findings. Next, the browser will be further evaluated in a scenario-based project setting.