Semistructured messages are surprisingly useful for computer-supported coordination

ABSTRACT

This paper argues that using a set of semistructured message templates is surprisingly helpful in designing a variety of computer-based communication and coordination systems. Semistructured messages can help provide automatic aids for (1) composing messages to be sent, (2) selecting, sorting, and prioritizing messages that are received, (3) responding automatically to some messages, and (4) suggesting likely responses to other messages. The use of these capabilities is illustrated in a range of applications including electronic mail, computer conferencing, calendar management, and task tracking. The applications show how ideas from artificial intelligence (such as inheritance and production rules) and ideas from user interface design (such as interactive graphical editors) can be combined in novel ways for dealing with semistructured messages. The final part of the paper discusses how communities can evolve a useful set of message type definitions.

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INDEX TERMS

Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
  H.2 DATABASE MANAGEMENT
      H.2.3 Languages
          Subjects: Data description languages (DDL)
      H.2.4 Systems
          Subjects: Distributed databases
  H.3 INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
  H.4 INFORMATION SYSTEMS APPLICATIONS

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
      I.2.1 Applications and Expert Systems
          Subjects: Office automation
  I.7 DOCUMENT AND TEXT PROCESSING
      I.7.2 Document Preparation
          Subjects: Format and notation

General Terms:
Design, Management