"almost touching": parent-child remote communication using the sharetable system

  • Authors:

  • Svetlana Yarosh;Anthony Tang;Sanika Mokashi;Gregory D. Abowd

  • Affiliations:

  • AT&T Research Labs, Jersey City, New Jersey & Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA;University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada & Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA;Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA;Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

  • Venue:
  • Proceedings of the 2013 conference on Computer supported cooperative work
  • Year:
  • 2013

Quantified Score

Hi-index 0.00

Visualization

Abstract

We deployed the ShareTable - a system that provides easy-to-initiate videochat and a shared tabletop task space - in four divorced households. Throughout the month of its use, the families employed the ShareTable to participate in shared activities, share emotional moments, and communicate closeness through metaphorical touch. The ShareTable provided a number of advantages over the phone and was easier to use than standard videoconferencing. However, it did also introduce concerns over privacy and new sources of conflict about appropriate calling practices. We relate our findings to the larger research landscape and present implications for future work.