Thesis
A systematic technology evaluation and selection method for computer-supported collaborative design
- Creator
- Rights statement
- Awarding institution
- University of Strathclyde
- Date of award
- 2021
- Thesis identifier
- T16006
- Person Identifier (Local)
- 201585678
- Qualification Level
- Qualification Name
- Department, School or Faculty
- Abstract
- Design is a global activity. It requires collaboration between individuals across bordersand beyond barriers. Modern global design is achieved using computer technologies thatsupport many activities of a design process. However, merely supporting design does notguarantee that it is a successful endeavour. The requirements of computer-supportedcollaborative design are abstract. They are influenced by human-to-human interactionand/or human to computer interaction. As our society moves towards fastercommunication technologies and a higher number of collaborative technologies available,the need to evaluate the available tools and select the best tool at the appropriate time ofthe design process is becoming more compelling. If the best tools are not identified, thereare missed opportunities for productivity, impacting team communication, cooperation,coordination, and collaboration. Student designers at University have experienced an observable change in technology use within their personal and academic lives. The proliferation of Web 2.0 technologies and the spread of social media, social network sites and mobile technologies have impacted how students socialise and engage in group project work. However, it is unclear if these technologies support or hinder the design process. This behaviour change has led to a motivation to understand the use of technologies to support Computer-SupportedCollaborative Design teamwork. This research intended to support Computer-Supported Collaborative Design teamwork by defining the requirements of Computer-Supported Collaborative Design, the technologies which can be used to support Computer-Supported Collaborative Design, the technology functionalities which these technologies feature, and to use this knowledge to systematically evaluate and select the appropriate technology to use for any given collaborative situation. The outcomes of this research documented within this thesis became the development of a systematic and automated method to allow engineering design teams to evaluate technologies based on the existing knowledge of the requirements of Computer Supported Collaborative Design and select which technologies would best support their group design activities. This technology evaluation and selection method was achievedby the creation of the Computer-Supported Collaborative Design matrix, a tool whichenables the evaluation of technologies against Computer-Supported Collaborative Designrequirements; the creation of an auto-population method for the tool supportingconsistency and efficiency of using the method; and the development of an educationprogramme to ensure the correct use of the Computer-Supported Collaborative Designmatrix. The Computer-Supported Collaborative Design matrix can be used to support theassessment and selection of technology for use in Computer-Supported CollaborativeDesign projects by engineering design teams in an educational environment. The tool hasbeen evaluated through demonstration of use for a class and implementation within a classenvironment. Beyond the Computer-Supported Collaborative Design matrix as a tool, arobust and systematic method of creating the tool has been documented, which is the firststep towards broader use of the tool.
- Advisor / supervisor
- Whitfield, R.I. (Robert Ian)
- Grierson, Hilary
- Resource Type
- DOI
Relations
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PDF of thesis T16006.pdf | 2021-09-30 | Public | Download |