Abstract not found

We have argued elsewhere that user goals should be taken into account when deciding what kind of explanation of its results a CBR system should give. In this paper, we propose the use of an Activity Theory based methodology for identifying di#erent user goals and expectations towards explanations given by a system supporting a work process.

This paper demonstrates how activity theoretic concepts can be used in conjunction with an ethnographically informed approach to derive requirements on a work situation. We present a case study based on a series of collaborative design episodes, the structured description derived from it and show how a preliminary set of contextually-grounded requirements on supporting the design process can be created.

Abstract. One of the cornerstones of any intelligent entity is the ability to understand how occurrences in the surrounding world influence its own behaviour. Different states, or situations, in its environment should be taken into account when reasoning or acting. When dealing with different situations, context is the key element used to infer possible actions and information needs. The activities of the perceiving agent and other entities are arguably one of the most important features of a situation; this is equally true whether the agent is artificial or not. This work proposes the use of Activity Theory to first model context and further on populate the model for assessing situations in a pervasive computing environment. Through the socio-technical perspective given by Activity Theory, the knowledge intensive context model, utilised in our ambient intelligent system, is designed. 1

The need to design information processing systems based on an anthropocentric approach, i.e., one where the design of technical objects deliberately draws from and is geared to the user’s activity, is a critical issue in the modernization of life and work environments. Within this framework, we propose a developmental approach to instruments in which they are not just understood as fabricated material objects but are also psychological and social entities. We present a model and propose ways of approaching the design of information processing systems. Keywords: instrument, design, activity, catacreses.

students: Design issues and current trends on new cognitive and meta-cognitive tools This paper reviews recent applications concerning technology-based learning systems that promote collaboration among students by distance. The research community in order to support learning as well as collaboration, has designed systems differentiating themselves from common web-based tools (simply enabling collaborative activities), and constitute new cognitive and meta-cognitive tools. The paper, firstly, presents some distinctions of collaborative learning systems from other networked systems, based on assumptions on collaborative learning processes and possibilities of implementation in current educational settings. Secondly, by presenting some cross section systems proceeds to an analysis and categorization of main tools and functionalities that characterizing them. Thirdly, it analyses and discusses extensively the current trade-offs of collaborative systems design. Finally, it attempts a synthesis of necessary tools by a proposed framework and concludes by presenting the main axes of the research agenda concerning design of systems and underlying tools addressed to young students of primary and secondary education.

Abstract. Ambient intelligent systems are context aware by perceiving and reasoning about their environment, they perceive the needs of their users and proactively respond to these needs by being context sensitive. Users do not interact with these systems by traditional means only, but also through behavioural interfaces. This combination of mixed initiative systems and unconventional interfaces puts strong requirements on the explanatory capabilities of any system. The work presented here focuses on explaining the behaviour of an ambient intelligent systems to its users. It demonstrates how explanations can be combined with context to deal with the different types of explanations that are required for a meaningful interaction of a system and its users. 1

Abstract. Workflow Management Systems (WfMSs) are implemented to support the modelling, analysis and enactment of rigidly structured business processes. However, they typically have difficulty supporting unexpected or developmental change occurring in the work practices they model, and are unable to provide adequate support for exceptions, or deviations from the process model, even though such deviations are a common occurrence for almost all processes. These limitations mean a large subset of business practices do not easily translate to the inflexible modelling frameworks imposed by WfMSs, and so has inhibited their wider acceptance. Workflow modelling frameworks are usually based on software programming principles and proprietary formats, which may not be the most ideal base for the support of flexible work practices. A better approach may be to develop a WfMS based on accepted ideas of how people actually work. This paper derives a set of principles for work practice from a sound theoretical base called Activity Theory. These grounded principles are then applied to a set of criteria that a WfMS must meet if it is to provide adequate support for flexible work methods. Commercial workflow products, and some research trends, are discussed in relation to the criteria specified. 1

We describe our use of contradictions, a concept central to activity theory, to derive requirements on a new technical system to support an administrative system. Contradictions are identified by disturbances in the free operation of workplace activities and can be used as the basis for the participative design of a new system. We conclude that contradictions are both conceptually valuable in understanding the design of systems and are of considerable practical use.

The issue of mixed-initiative intelligent systems has gained increasing interest in recent years. In particular, much attention has been paid on sharing the initiative between the user and the system on the tool level. In this paper, we are focusing on the problem of embedding the system into a workplace.