Usability and Probabilistic Modeling for Information Sharing in Distributed Communities

Abstract

This paper describes work done in developing realistic simulations of information sharing in distributed expert communities. Instead of a rule-based rational behavior approach, we take a probabilistic modeling approach for studying group performance and time-constrained, socially-mediated tasks. Four simulation modules for advising, sharing, solving and learning had been proposed and are in development. This work presents research done using an online blog to gather supporting usability data for the second module. This is put in context of earlier work suggesting use of the above simulation modules. We present data from two studies suggesting the importance of social interaction in distributed expert communities. The results presents make a strong case for using the proposed simulation modules as a design and usability tool.

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