Finding patterns in the fieldwork

Abstract

This paper considers the potential of using patterns of cooperative interaction to support the development of general design principles drawn from a range of work settings. it reports on the development of patterns from ethnographic studies in anumber of work envirnments. Our particular interest is in the possibilities surrounding the use of ethnographic material and in the contribution this might make to CSCW design. in this paper we focus on outlining some of our experiences and difficulties in developing patterns from ethnographic studies and present some initial ideas towards the development of a pattern langiage to exploit the experience gained from a decade of field studies.