Capturing and Restoring the Context of Everyday Work: A Case Study at a Law Office

Authors:
Gaston R. Cangiano;James D. Hollan
Affiliations:
Distributed Cognition and Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory Cognitive Science, University of California at San Diego,;Distributed Cognition and Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory Cognitive Science, University of California at San Diego,
Venue:
HCD 09 Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Human Centered Design: Held as Part of HCI International 2009
Year:
2009

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Abstract

Real-world activity is complex and increasingly involves use of multiple computer applications and communication devices over extended periods of time. To understand activity at the level of detail required to provide natural and comprehensive support for it necessitates appreciating both its richness and dynamically changing context. In this article, we (1) summarize field work in which we recorded the desktop activities of workers in a law office, (2) analyze interview data in detail to show the effects of context reinstatement when viewing video summaries of past desktop activity. We conclude by discussing the implications of our results for the design of software tools to assist work in office settings.