Collective interaction: a designerly visual analysis of seven research prototypes.

Collective Interaction (CI) is an interaction model coined to explore new opportunities for interactive technology in support close collaboration amongst co-located people. This paper reports on a Research through Design (RtD) based visual analysis of seven CI research prototypes. The analysis includes an annotated portfolio, annotated mappings and redesign sketches. Through comparisons the visual analyses, identifies qualities, similarities and differences of CI, and connect these to properties of the design. Through its capacity to point out and articulate CI qualities, the visual analysis contributes to the repertoire of RtD approaches, by framing discussions relevant for understanding the characteristics of design prototypes extending beyond the written language.