Reflexivity, Language Games, and Computer-Supported Cooperative Work

Abstract

Computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW) researchers have plenty to say about designing through texts; however, implementation and the gap between the design material and texts are misunderstood by systems developers in engineering projects in the process of designing collaborating systems. This problem is not new but an ongoing issue of utilizing CSCW insights effectively and correctly in engineering projects. By reviewing a five-year, multiple-site ethnographic study in the maritime domain, this paper reflects on reflexivity and language games. These can be used by CSCW researchers as theoretical concepts to study their own contributions and better position themselves in engineering projects, thus producing the same images and languages between themselves and others. By examining their own contributions, CSCW researchers could reduce the gap between CSCW research and engineering practices.