Improving Interfaces for Collaborative Work in Multiple-Device Environments

Productive collaboration in a Multiple-Device Environment (MDE) requires an effective interface to efficiently manage applications among devices. Though many interfaces exist, there is little empirical understanding of how they affect collaboration. This paper reports results from a user study comparing how well three classes of interfaces; textual, map, and iconic, support realistic, collaborative activities in an MDE. From empirical results, our observations, and an analysis of how groups interacted with each interface, we produced a set of design lessons for improving management interfaces for MDEs. The lessons were demonstrated within the iconic interface, but are just as applicable to other interfaces. This work contributes further understanding of how to design effective management interfaces for MDEs