Design Collaboration Strategies

This paper explains the logistical and technical issues involved in design collaboration and how to address them strategically in projects for design, teaching and research. Five years of arranging projects, studying peer results and involving novices in exchanges point out the benefits and pitfalls of Internet partnering. Rather than a single universal technical solution, multiple solutions exist: Technical means must be tailored to specifics concerning the task and participants. The following factors need to be considered in finding the best fit between technology and group design: 1) Collaboratorsprofiles, 2) Mutual value of produced information, 3) Collaboration structure, and 4) Logistical opportunities. The success of a virtual studio depends upon clear task definition, aligned participant expectations and suitable engagement methods. We question the efforts required in the installation of expensive technologies for communication and visualization. Often technical systems support ancillary and non-beneficial activity