Exploring the usefulness of awareness widgets in online shared workspaces: a preliminary case study

Abstract

Users of different online shared workspaces have different activity awareness needs that should be supported by the application. This support could be provided through the use of widgets, which should be easily understandable, easy to use, and provide information expected by users. We conducted a preliminary investigation of the use of awareness widgets in uCern, a shared online workspace in the healthcare industry. Data collected through interviews and surveys showed that users chose widgets for general, team, and group awareness; content management; supporting connection among collaborators; and use of utilitarian features.