Digital Commons Network^™

Naturalistic Observation For Understanding Users: How Technology Professionals Use And Communicate Information, Suzie Allard, Kenneth J. Levine, Carol Tenopir, Shalini Urs

School of Information Sciences -- Faculty Publications and Other Works

This study examines how design engineers and technical professionals (hereafter referred to as engineers) in innovative high‐tech firms in the U.S. and India communicate and use information in their daily work activities including research, development, and management. By observing engineers in the workplace, it extends our understanding of the engineering workplace, and the information environment in the workplace. This study will provide information useful for improving communication and information methods for accessing information and communicating in the workplace, which will ultimately lead to better job performance, facilitate innovation, and encourage economic growth. This poster focuses on the methodology the researchers …