Testing Typical Challenges Affecting Idea Sharing in Distributed Design Teams Today

DS 116: Proceedings of the DESIGN2022 17th International Design Conference

Year: 2022
Editor: Mario Štorga, Stanko Škec, Tomislav Martinec, Dorian Marjanović
Author: Elies Ann Dekoninck, Charlotte Brenninkmeijer
Series: DESIGN
Institution: University of Bath, United Kingdom
Section: Organisation, Collaboration and Management
Page(s): 131-140
DOI number: https://doi.org/10.1017/pds.2022.14
ISSN: 2732-527X (Online)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare behaviours in distributed design teams today to the existing literature to see if previously identified challenges faced by distributed teams have been overcome. Recordings of teams’ online idea sharing sessions were transcribed and split into idea sharing instances (units). A scoring system analysed the effectiveness of each unit. Having a clear structure with formal idea discussion, an assertive leader, and no time limits led to higher scores. Whilst instances of informal speaking and the wide variety of tools used had no link to the unit scores.

Keywords: design teams, distributed design, collaborative design, idea sharing, challenges of remote collaboration