Computer support for distributed asynchronous software design teams: experimental results on creativity and quality

Previous research has indicated that the creative task of deciding upon the initial specifications for a software system can benefit from a structured process to guide group interaction in face-to-face meetings, and can benefit from computer support. This 2/spl times/2 experiment is the first to look at the joint effects of a distributed asynchronous computer conferencing mode of communication (CC, as compared to face to face), and a structured process on software design outcomes. Subjects were teams of graduate students in computer science and business, who designed an automated post office as a course assignment. Though the quality of solution produced by the CC groups was judged to be higher, it was not significantly so. However, the CC groups were considerably more creative. There were no main effects for the structured/unstructured factor, nor any significant interactions.<>