Blended Spaces: Collaborative Work and Computer Supported Learning and Tools

Abstract

Individualized and cooperative design combined with hybrid design tools, have the capacity to act as the missing link between humans, society, and technology (STS). The blended design environments (spaces) entail innovative interactive software solutions and design tools to create meaningful communication, experiences, personal involvement and social inclusion within various contexts and/or domains. In this paper we present preliminary data on two research experiments, user modeling and participant observation. The study is based on a comparison between a loosely (i.e. raw) and a formalized (i.e. hyper design) structured approach facilitated in blended spaces (BS) for design and engineering. Findings, results and feedback on interaction (IxD), usability (UA) and experiences (UX) are discussed along design environment parameters, strategy and contextualization.