Interacting with Computers ~018 no 3 (1996) 241-252 zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQP Information technology support for shared task performance within an office environment S. R. Jones and P. J. Thomas Professional zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA efficacy is strongly influenced by the quality and quantity of relevant and accessible information. This in turn is frequently dependent upon interaction with colleagues. The paper describes an investigation into the use of information and the ways in which individuals manage information in office environments. The study was conducted to inform the development of devices which support office-based information management, and looks in detail at the information exchange and information management activities which take place between managers and their personal assistants (PAS). The focus of the study was to determine the extent to which these professionals share a common understanding of frequently-performed and ubiquitous office tasks. As many information and communication devices are intended to augment information manage- ment and information exchange, it is suggested that understanding how workers jointly perceive tasks will be useful in the design and development of those devices. Initial findings of the study indicate that there is considerable variation in the interpretation and understanding of a number of everyday office activities, and that this should be reflected in the design of devices which seek to incorporate facilities for information management and exchange. Keywords: interpersonal communication, information management, infor- mation exchange Devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) at first sight appear to be artefacts which embody exactly the major principles of personal information management, allowing workers to handle, categorise and retrieve information on a day-to-day basis in order to function more effectively (Thomas zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZY et al., 1995). Although these devices have not enjoyed commercial success, they are still the subject of considerable discussion in the computing and information technology Centre for Personal Information Management, CSM, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 IQY, UK. Tel: 0117 976 2592. Fax: 0117 976 3973. E-mail: Steve.Jones@sm.uwe.ac.uk Peter. Thomas@csm.uwe.ac.uk http:/ / gate.uwe.ac.uk:8000/ research/ csm/ PIM/ index.html 0953-5438/ 96/ $09.50 0 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd B.V. All rights reserved PII SO953-5438(96)01034X 241