An experimental evaluation of video support for shared work-space software is described. Groups of two users worked simultaneously and cooperatively on a problem using Aspects on Macintosh computers in one of four scenarios. Although the audio link had been found to be essential in an earlier pilot study, in this experiment there was no discernible difference in performance between any of the four scenarios. Much of this work tends to involve the development or innovation of new systems, and then the observation of how users behave when provided with these facilities.
Aspects can provide common text or drawing work-spaces for simultaneous operation by multiple users.
It includes facilities for floor control, and each user can identify themselves with a personalised pointer. Further, given that many video links used in CSCW support operate at a reduced frame rate, the distance between reduced frame rate video and full motion video was also to be established. The suggested ranking of communication options. Four different experimental scenarios were utilised. Four video cameras were used to capture the upper body view that each had of the other, and the views of each screen.