Mindtape: A tool for reflection in participatory design

This paper reports on the explorative use of video recordings in studies of distributed collaboration. The primary goal is for the analyst to acquire a better understanding of the interaction. A concurrent aim is to take the Scandinavian System Development tradition one step further and explore, together with users, what goes on in their minds. For this purpose, a method called Mindtape has been developed, the essence of which is to review a priori selected video sequences in a dialogue with the users. Mindtape enhances the analyst's understanding and helps to clarify or reject interpretations. At the same time, it shows promising possibilities as a tool for mutual learning processes. The users become aware of obstacles, new behaviors and meeting cultures evolving. By allowing users and analysts to get a better understanding of the process of interaction, Mindtape may also be used to inform design.