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This thesis aims to find out how communication method a˙ects user experience in a formal communication with a stranger, such as a job application process. The communication methods investigated were instant messaging and email. To this end, two studies were performed. The first one based on a set of interviews with recruiters. The second one based on a questionnaire sent out to job candidates. Recruiters did not value communication method as important for the candidate to make a good first impression, but they were concerned with the need for rapid communication and needing to be constantly available when using informal communication methods. I found that candidates significantly preferred formal communication methods, results also showed that candidates felt less insecure when communicating using a formal method. Finally, we also found that younger users did not have a stronger preference for informal communication methods than older users, contrary to my expectations. / Målet med denna uppsats var att ta reda på hur kommunikationsmetod påverkar användarupplevelsen i en formell kommunikation med en främling, så som i en arbetsansökan. Kommunikationsmetoderna som undersöktes var e-post och chatt. För att ta reda på detta gjordes två studier. Den första bestod av intervjuer med rekryterare. Den andra bestod av ett frågeformulär som skickades ut till kandidater. Rekryterarna värderade inte kommunikationsmetoden i sig högt när det gällde vilket intryck de fick av en kandidat, men kommunikations-hastigheten var en viktig faktor i valet av metod. Speciellt så uppfattade de ett behov av att vara tillgänglig och kunna svara snabbt om en informell kommunikationsmetod användes, denna uppfattning delades av kandidaterna. Mina resultat visade att jobbkandidater hade en signifikant preferens för att använda formella kommunikationsmetoder, och visade sig känna sig mindre osäkra när de använde formella kommunikationsmetoder än när de använde informella metoder. Slutligen upptäckte jag att yngre användare inte visade sig föredra informella kommunikationsmetoder mer än äldre användare.

In the year 2020, we saw an increase in people working from home and practicing social distancing due to the pandemic caused by COVID-19. It became clear that common tools used to substitute for this physical presence might be considered lacking. The objective of this work was to explore and evaluate a tool for improving communication at a distance and contribute with insight and knowledge to the field of Human-Computer Interaction and Computer Supported Cooperative Work. A prototype system was constructed with commonly accessible and low-cost projectors and web cameras to provide a shared workspace at a distance as a complement to commonly used video calls. A user study was held including seven pairs of participants in which each pair performed collaborative tasks using the system while spatially separated. The System Usability Scale together with a Thematic Analysis of follow-up interviews was utilized to evaluate how the participants perceived the systems usability and affordances. The construction of the prototype system also led to insights on some of its challenges. The results show that the system embodies a high usability and a variety of affordances. The system could therefore be considered as a valid substitute for physical presence in spatially distant collaborative meetings or as an alternative to some commonly used groupware. / Under år 2020 såg vi en ökning av antalet människor som arbetade hemifrån och socialt distanserade sig till följd av pandemin som orsakades av COVID-19. Det blev tydligt att vanligt använda verktyg för att kompensera för denna fysiska närvaro kan anses som bristfälliga. Målet med detta arbete var att utforska och utvärdera ett verktyg för att förbättra distanskommunikation samt bidra med insikter och kunskap till området för människa-datainteraktion och datorstött samarbete. Ett prototypsystem byggdes av allmänt tillgängliga och billiga projektorer och webkameror som ett komplement till ett vanligt videosamtal för att fungera som en delad arbetsyta på distans. Sju par av deltagare deltog i en användarstudie där de fick utföra uppgifter genom systemet samtidigt som de var separerade till olika rum. Deltagarnas uppfattning av systemets användbarhet och användningsmöjligheter utvärderades med hjälp av System Usability Scale och en tematisk analys av uppföljningsintervjuer av användarstudier. Konstruerandet av systemet ledde också till en rad insikter om dess utmaningar. Resultaten visar att systemet innefattar en hög användbarhet samt en variation av olika användningsmöjligheter. Systemet kan därför anses vara ett passande substitut för fysisk närvaro i distansmöten som kräver samarbete eller som ett alternativ för vanligen använda samarbetsverktyg.

People work together to solve a wide variety of problems using different forms of cooperation for each class of problem. Modern technology is complex, and therefore it is unusual for an individual to attempt the development of a major project single-handedly. In an attempt to provide computer-based support for the problems that arise when two or more people attempt to cooperate to perform a task or solve a problem, the area of Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) becomes relevant. The software development process almost invariably involves cooperation that crosses group, professional, and subcultural boundaries. The complexity of software development demands that highly integrated groups of analysts, designers, and users are involved in the process. Many development activities may occur concurrently. The area of CSCW and advanced information technology, with its enormous capabilities for transmitting and storing information, holds considerable promise for the software development process. / Computing / M. Sc. (Information Systems)

This thesis explores the potential of visual information and communication technologies (ICTs) for collaboration in emergency care. The thesis consists of four studies exploring future technology, 3D telepresence technology for medical consultation (3DMC), from several different methodological and analytical perspectives. Together the studies provide a broad view of the potential benefits, risks and implications of using visual technologies for collaboration in emergency care. The results show that paramedic-physician collaboration via 3DMC might have some benefits for patient care, both in the immediate patient care situation and beyond, for example, when coordinating transport and resources; improving understanding between different actors; and in developing paramedic competence and confidence in their skills. However, collaboration is heavily impacted by physicians’ and paramedics’ respective work practices which are situated in very different physical, professional and organizational contexts. Adding a visual dimension to this collaboration presents unique challenges for the overall design, development, implementation, and appropriation process. Thus, the thesis emphasizes the importance of understanding both the individual users as well as the complex overall image which, although often neglected or ignored, is crucial to understand when developing and introducing new technology that is successful and justified in the overall context while also being useful and meaningful for the individual users. / <p>Academic dissertation for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science at the University of Gothenburg and the University of Borås to be publicly defended on Thursday 19 September 2013 at 13:15 in the auditorium at Simonsland, University of Borås, Skaraborgsvägen 3, Borås.</p>

The thesis explores the potential of one way of facilitating and stimulating collaboration in Library and Information Science (LIS), through a specific scientific collaboration activity: creating, sharing and reusing data collection instruments, such as interview guides, questionnaires, and observation protocols. The four studies reported in the thesis can be read as a linear narrative, each study building on the previous and contributing to the following ones. Together the four studies describe the process exploring social and contextual aspects of LIS; developing requirements and designing a working prototype collaboratory; and evaluating how the prototype collaboratory was perceived by LIS professionals. Overall, the results show that whereas the benefits of an LIS collaboratory reported by the study participants focused on the greater good for LIS, the challenges reported focused on the individuals’ perspectives. Hence, a tension exists between supporting the greater good, and challenges for individuals concerning sharing and reusing data collection instruments in an LIS collaboratory. The thesis emphasizes the implications for the LIS discipline when new ways of working with data collection instruments would be introduced; the implications of addressing needs of a diverse target audience; and the implications for further design iterations of an LIS collaboratory, including rewarding contributions, and ensuring quality content in a collaboratory. / <p>Academic dissertation for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science at the University of Gothenburg and the University of Borås to be publicly defended on Wednesday 11 June 2014 at 13.15 in lecture room E310, University of Borås, Allégatan 1, Borås</p>

O trabalho dos usuários em sistemas de informação é uma atividade social que envolve grupos de pessoas que cooperam entre si para desempenhar as mais variadas funções. A natureza da cooperação, por si só é complexa e depende dos indivíduos envolvidos, do ambiente físico e da organização onde o trabalho se desenvolve. Os aspectos ligados ao trabalho cooperativo dos usuários não são considerados no enfoque tradicional da engenharia de software, uma vez que o usuário é visto de modo independente do meio ou grupo em que está inserido, com o modelo individual generalizado para o estudo do comportamento coletivo envolvendo todos os usuários. O objetivo deste trabalho é propor um processo de requisitos de software para tratar as questões envolvendo o trabalho cooperativo em sistemas de informação que apresentem coordenação distribuída nas ações dos usuários e a comunicação entre eles ocorre, preponderantemente, de modo indireto por meio dos dados inseridos no uso do software. Para tanto, a pesquisa faz uso de conceitos da ergonomia, da cognição e da engenharia de software. Utiliza-se a pesquisa-ação como metodologia de pesquisa em três ciclos, aplicada durante o desenvolvimento de um sistema de workflow corporativo em uma empresa de pesquisa tecnológica. No primeiro ciclo, o processo trata da definição dos requisitos do domínio do problema e das contribuições individuais dos usuários. No segundo ciclo, as contribuições do grupo (suas ações e inter-relações) são consideradas com as contribuições individuais pela simulação da solução proposta. No terceiro ciclo, o processo trata do refinamento dos requisitos do trabalho cooperativo, com o software em uso real no ambiente de trabalho. Os resultados obtidos no final do ciclo 2 e início do ciclo 3 durante a aplicação do processo em campo, mostraram a necessidade de melhoria do processo. Esta evolução é necessária, visto que a inclusão do sistema informatizado altera o ambiente de trabalho dos usuários, passando da interação face a face para a interação mediada pelo software. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que o maior grau de consciência dos usuários sobre como os inter-relacionamentos de suas atividades são realizados contribuem para um decréscimo em seus erros individuais, diminuindo o retrabalho de recodificação do software e acima de tudo o uso inadequado do sistema, evitando a propagação das consequências desses erros nos resultados finais do trabalho em grupo. / Users\' work in information systems is a social activity that involves people groups cooperating to perform many different functions. The nature of cooperation itself is complex and depends on the people involved, on the workplace environment and on the organization in which the work develops. Aspects related to the users\' cooperative work are not considered in the traditional approach of software engineering, since the user is viewed independently of his/her workplace environment or group, with the individual model generalized to the study of collective behavior of all users. This work proposes a process for software requirements to address issues involving cooperative work in information systems that provide distributed coordination in the users\' actions and the communication among them occurs indirectly through the data entered while using the software. To achieve this goal, this research uses ergonomics, cognition and software engineering concepts. Research-action is used as a research methodology applied in three cycles during the development of a corporate workflow system in a technological research company. In the first cycle, the proposed process exposes the definition of the problem domain requirements and the users\' individual contributions. In the second cycle, the contributions of the group (their actions and inter-relationships) are considered together with the individual contributions through the simulation of the proposed solution. In the third cycle, the process deals with the refinement of the cooperative work requirements with the software in actual use in the workplace. The results at the end of cycle 2 and the beginning of cycle 3 during the process application in the field show the need for process improvement. This is necessary because the inclusion of a computer system changes the users workplace, from the face to face interaction to the interaction mediated by the software. The results show that the highest degree of users\' awareness as the interrelationship of their activities are carried out contributes to a decrease in their individual errors, reducing software recoding rework and above all the inappropriate use of the system, avoiding the spread of the consequences of these errors in the final results of the group work.

Submitted by William Justo Figueiro (williamjf) on 2015-07-07T23:29:36Z No. of bitstreams: 1 15a.pdf: 1009622 bytes, checksum: f428f98799e2ce6d52759fc0e65b0930 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-07-07T23:29:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 15a.pdf: 1009622 bytes, checksum: f428f98799e2ce6d52759fc0e65b0930 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / Nenhuma / Este estudo teve o objetivo de analisar as vivências de prazer e de sofrimento no trabalho de suinocultores, além de caracterizar a organização do trabalho neste meio e de compreender as estratégias defensivas utilizadas por estes trabalhadores frente ao sofrimento. O estudo teve um delineamento qualitativo e contou com a participação de 16 suinocultores, com idade entre 19 e 67 anos (M: 45,8; DP: 13). A coleta de dados foi realizada através de dois grupos focais e de observações do trabalho na suinocultura. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo e descreveram categorias mistas. O prazer no trabalhado dos suinocultores está relacionado à manutenção da tradição da família em trabalhar com suínos, ao retorno financeiro atrelado à subsistência familiar e ao cuidado dos animais. Em contrapartida, e com maior destaque, nas vivências de sofrimento destacaram-se a sobrecarga de trabalho e o desgaste consequente. O sofrimento é ainda, intensificado pela falta de reconhecimento no trabalho e pelo preconceito social relacionado à suinocultura. Para lidar com estas vivências, os trabalhadores fazem uso de estratégias defensivas pautadas na negação da dor e na racionalização, agravando os sintomas de adoecimento relacionados ao trabalho. Tendo em vista estes resultados, considera-se que os suinocultores investigados vivenciam condições de trabalho precárias que culminam na sobrecarga. Como consequência, foram identificados danos à saúde física e mental dos trabalhadores, através da intensificação das lesões e acidentes de trabalho, das dores crônicas, do isolamento social, da ansiedade e do estresse. / This study aimed to analyze the experiences of pleasure and suffering of pig farmers and to characterize the organization of work in this field and to understand the defensive strategies used by these workers in dealing with their suffering. The study had a qualitative research design that was done with 16 pig farmers between the ages of 19 and 67 years old (M: 45,8; DP: 13). The collection of data came from two focus groups as well as observations of the work with pigs. The data obtained was subjected to content analysis and described mixed categories. The pleasure of working in pig farming is related to maintaining the family tradition of working with pigs, financial return tied to the family subsistence, and care of the animals. In contrast and most notably what stood out regarding the suffering experiences was the overload of work, which resulted in complete fatigue. The suffering is also intensified by the lack of recognition of their work and the social prejudice related to pig farming. To deal with these experiences the workers make use of defensive strategies guided by the denial of pain and rationalization, exacerbating the symptoms of work-related illnesses. In accordance with the results obtained, we conclude that the pig farmers observed by us live in precarious work conditions that culminate in overburden for them. Consequently was concluded that their lifestyle is damaging their physical and mental health, such as frequent injuries and accidents, chronic pain, social isolation, anxiety and stress.

<p>How can we develop usable and work process-oriented ICT systems for shared homecare?</p><p>Shared homecare involves different professionals, consists of mobile work and requires immediate and ubiquitous access to patient-oriented information, supporting an integrated view on the care process.</p><p>This thesis presents a new collaborative design method for user needs analysis and requirements specification in the context of health information systems development; the Multi-disciplinary Thematic Seminar (MdTS) method. The thesis also describes the MdTS method’s application and two different usability evaluations of the developed system.</p><p>The MdTS addresses a significant problem with health information technologies; they tend to support collaborative work of healthcare professionals poorly, sometimes leading to a fragmentation of workflow and disruption of healthcare processes. Based on human-computer interaction methods, MdTS implies a multiple-user needs analysis by thorough investigation of the entire interdisciplinary cooperative work and its transformation into technical specifications in order to develop appropriate information and communication technology (ICT) for the users’ differing work situations.</p><p>Application of the MdTS resulted in a prototype, the OLD@HOME Virtual Health Record (VHR), adapted to the specific demands in shared homecare. Through mobile devices each care professional accessed patient information in profession-specific views from an integrated platform.</p><p>This thesis provides an interesting case, illustrating how mobile ICT can support shared homecare, thereby bridging health and social care activities and improving knowledge about joint work processes.</p><p>Results from the usability evaluations were overall positive. Information needed at point of care was available on mobile devices and presented in an understandable manner. However, the evaluations also indicated that it is difficult to transfer results from one homecare setting to another due to differences in operational routines.</p><p>In conclusion, application of the MdTS method, in this study, succeeded in elicitation of correct user needs and in transferring correct requirements specifications to system developers for implementation.</p>