Paper vs. tablets: the effect of document media in co-located collaborative work

With new computer technologies portable devices are rapidly approaching the dimensions and characteristics of traditional pen and paper-based tools. Text and graphic documents are now commonly viewed using small tablet computers. We conducted a study with small groups of participants to better understand how paper-based text and graphics are used by small collaborative groups as compared to how these groups make use of documents presented on a digital tablet with digital styluses. Our results indicate that digital tools, as compared to paper tools, can affect the levels of verbal communication and participant gaze engagement with other group members. Additionally, we observed how participants spatially arranged paper-based and digital tools during collaborative group activities, how often they switched from digital to paper, and how they still prefer paper overall.