One went on to suggest that facilities are required to cope with poor connectivity while critical mass is still being achieved. So, for example, a system should indicate if a message is sitting in a mailbox unread because the recipient does not access his email. The bulk of the suggestions were in the other two categories, they are discussed below. The first three topics, realism, task fit and awareness are all concerned with facilitating smooth communication, i.e., benefit for communicating individuals. The next has to do with benefit for individuals as individuals, and the last with benefit for the group or organisation.
Realism can also reduce anxiety.
To make this work, groupware tools should be integrated, transparent, invisible and seamless. One way that groupware products are not like being there is that spontaneous communication is difficult. The problem with realism as a design principle is that it is difficult to achieve. When the metaphor breaks down the user will have problems i.e., realism may raise unrealistic expectations. Groupware should be developed from an analysis of the work to be supported.