Conversation space: visualising multi-threaded conversation

ABSTRACT

This paper explicates the metaphors used to conceive of asynchronous text-based communication (ATBC) software, such as email and newsgroups. Design of such software has been guided by an understanding of ATBC as essentially a text communication (textual metaphor). However, this mode of discourse has many similarities with oral communication as well. The interaction of oral and textual aspects in ATBC gives rise to a phenomenon of multithreaded discourse, where several discourse threads develop simultaneously, which is a unique property of this medium. Our main tenet here is that application of textual metaphor has narrowed the scope of possible designs. We propose a design approach, which explicitly promotes the metaphor of oral communication (conversation) and oral traits of ATBC discourse, while also supporting the multithreaded discourse structure. The consequent interface design challenge is that of creating a way to visualise human conversation that would preserve the spontaneity of oral conversation whilst also utilising the persistent nature of text. This goal has been accomplished by spatial representation of multi-threaded discourse in a shared workspace. Based on this proposed way of visualisation, a prototype tool called 'Conversation Space' (ConverSpace) has been created.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.3 Group and Organization Interfaces
          Subjects: Asynchronous interaction

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.4 INFORMATION SYSTEMS APPLICATIONS

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
      I.2.7 Natural Language Processing
          Subjects: Discourse
  I.3 COMPUTER GRAPHICS

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors, Languages, Management, Performance, Theory

Keywords:
asynchronous text-based communication, computer-mediated communication, discourse structure, multi-threaded discourse, persistent conversation