What is Maximum Usability

This chapter presents and analyzes the scholarly basis and empirical work that resulted in the development of Techscape, the application of collaborative technology use as one approach to achieving the larger aims of Civilscape. Civilscape, a loosely networked collaborative university-wide effort on a state-supported university campus in the United Sates, is designed to achieve two major goals: (a) to advance equivalent opportunity for full participation as a civil right for all qualified students; and (b) to expand the reach and benefits of the university for the advancement of healthy, safe, moral, equitable, and socially responsible societies in which universities exist. Technology, because of its omnipotence and potency, provides an important vehicle through which collaborative participation in education, research and technology transfer can occur. We first present the theoretical and empirical background for the project and then discuss and illustrate it. We conclude with a summary and important points for future consideration.