Collaboration, communication and categorical complexity: A case study in collaboratory evaluation

This article presents findings from an empirical evaluation of a collaboratory supporting film research. Few collaboratories have been formally evaluated. The article makes a case for looking at wider work-based contexts users engage in. Focussing on key features of the prototype system, it is shown that the design, while providing adequate functionality, fails to support the way users currently work. The relative advantages and disadvantages of this outcome are then assessed. Acknowledging the need for consistency in design, the article concludes that this should not be at the expense of diverse approaches to scientific practice.