Which tool to better support collaborative design?
Résumé
In the current context of computer supporting cooperative work, users have the choice between tools, which are not always adapted to their needs. Our study will try to deal with this problem of inadequacy often due to lack or useless features. First, we define the activities that are related to the design situation we are focusing on, i.e. distributed designers' team working synchronously and having informal interaction. Following, we list and analyse existing tools (commercial offer) and their functionalities. Then we propose to make some connections between these elements via an analysis grid, allowing a clearer vision of what functionality such software does or must provide. Finally we conclude on the necessity of having assistance tool perfectly suited to the kind of design activities it is intended to support.