Quality of collaboration in design meetings: methodological reflexions

Abstract

This paper provides a critical appraisal of methods for analysing the quality of collaboration in design meetings. After a discussion of how effective collaboration can be related to successful design, some existing approaches to evaluating the quality of collaboration are reviewed, and one specific method for analysing and evaluating socio-cognitive processes involved in design meetings is presented in some detail, together with its strengths and weaknesses. The concluding discussion aims to deepen and extend previous methods, with a view to outlining future research perspectives. The need for taking into account the additional dimension of the dynamics of interpersonal relations, involving the mutual regulation of tensions and affects, is discussed. It is argued that there is no privileged standpoint from which to evaluate the quality of collaboration: the qualities to which precedence will be given depend on the objects of co-design activities, what is at stake, and the alternative viewpoints of social actors involved, including researchers. The problem of articulating multiple views of the quality of collaboration is discussed.