mobileSJ: Managing Multiple Activities in Mobile Collaborative Working Environments

Abstract

Many modern working environments are characterized by the need to manage multiple activities simultaneously. This is the case of hospital work, which also demands a high degree of mobility and collaboration among specialists. These working conditions have motivated us to design and implement mobileSJ, a mobile information management tool based on the concept of working spheres. The tool allows users to gather information related to a working sphere, including documents, contacts, and pending tasks. The tool assists users when switching between tasks, facilitates the sharing of activity related information with colleagues, as well as the synchronization of information among multiple devices, including handheld computers and public displays. We conducted a usability test and a focus group to inform the design of a new version of the tool and to know how the tool could support the work of medical interns by facilitating the management and sharing of resources, providing more efficient means of communication with colleagues and increasing their personal productivity.