Multiuser Interface Design in CSCW Systems Pedro Antunes, Nuno Guimaraes Technical University of Lisboa - INESC e-mail:...paa@inesc.pt,nmg@inesc.pt October 1994 Abstract This document outlines some approaches, experiences and results of the user-interface design in several CSCW systems, highlighting a set of issues re- lated with the successful user-interface design and defining a background where functional and innovative approaches to the development of synchronous co- operative systems will be experimented. 1 Introduction The design and construction of cooperative applications poses a set of challenges at the user-interface design level. An appropriate design must consider the necessary mechanisms and schemes to offer an high degree of shared context, awareness and tailorability to cooperating users. Following the common 2 2 matrix classification of CSCW [Johansen 91,Ellis 91, Applegate 91,Nunamaker 91], the user-interface design is especially relevant when synchronous cooperations and geographical dispersed interactions are considered. In this context strategies to limit the impact of the underlying communications system on the user interface functionality should be considered. This document outlines some approaches, experiences and results of the user- interface design in several CSCW systems, defining a background where functional and innovative approaches to the development of synchronous cooperative systems will be experimented. The outline of the document is the following. The issues relevant to the design of shared spaces are discussed in section 2, including the management of users’ Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores, R. Alves Redol, 9 - 6 - 1000 Lisboa - Portugal, Tel: +351-1-3100000. Direct Line: 3100223, Fax: +351-1-525843. This work was partially supported by the CEC, through Esprit BR 6360 (Broadcast). 1