Naghsh, A. M. & Bailly, G. "Denim-Gabbeh Multi-user report", Draft technical report, Communication & Computing research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, December 2005.

Introduction

The main aim of this work was to introduce synchronous collaboration into an electronic paper prototyping tool such as Gabbeh. In other words enabling Gabbeh to support multi entries thorough various events and enabling Gabbeh to support multi-users to use different tools to create, delete, move, resize and edit the design components at the same time. Augmented table and TCLVision technology have been used to provide a collaborative environment (frame work).

It is generally accepted that user involvement is essential for a successful design of an interactive system. Bodker and Gronbeak (1991) found strong arguments for a more active and direct user involvement in designing computer systems. They found that it is important for users to find out how computer systems work. But it is more important that users learn through experiences with such not just to read a system specification or watching a demonstration.

Prototyping is one of the known ways for encouraging users to become more involve in the design process of a computer system. To encourage a better user involvement it is important that prototyping approach supports cooperative activity between users and designers, a possible example is the approach introduced by Bodker et al. (1991), called cooperative prototyping. Such prototyping approach could establish a design process where both users and designers are participating actively and creatively, drawing on their different qualifications. To facilitate such a process, the designers must somehow let the users experience a fluent work-like situation with a future computer application; that is, users’ current skills must be brought into contact with new technological possibilities. 

Button et al. (1996) explains that a growing number of ethnographic reports suggest that a collaborative design process depends on communications, and on transformation process involving design prototypes. The communication dimension and the role and transformation of artefacts in design work intersect in that the prototypes are subject to discussion, negotiation, and alteration. Perry et al. (1998) explain that design work should proceeds a situation in which joint, coordinated learning and work practice evolve, and in which prototypes help to meditate and organise communication. It becomes an important area in CSCW to provide affordable ways and tools to communicate and collaborate during design process of developing prototypes, mock ups, and other objects and models.  Such communication and collaboration depends on team layout (co-located or distributed) and the synchrony of communication.

In a collaborative design process various tools are used to develop mock ups, models and prototypes. Some of these tools are explained in previous studies (Lin et al. 2000) as pens, whiteboards, papers and tables. They have been recognized as primary tools that were used for explaining, developing and communicating ideas during the early stages of the design process.

In previous researches pen based interaction technology was applied in interactive system design which also could be described as “electronic paper prototyping” tools. Examples include Denim, Freeform, Silk and Satin. Further study (Naghsh et al. 2005) has showed how supporting annotation in a distributed electronic paper prototyping environment could support asynchronous communication and encourage more user participation (e.g. Gabbeh).

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