Applications of the Physual Designing Network in extended teams

This paper presents the Physual Designing Network (Physual.net), and addresses common connectivity problem in heterogeneous, asymmetrical teams, where the different contributors have differentiated access to collaborative resources. This has been accomplished through the development of flexible collaborative systems that support asymmetrical collaborative situations as well as symmetrical ones, for instance interaction between teams operating in a collaborative arena and one or more individuals using desktop-based systems. The Physual Designing Network provides a set of tools that increase the flexibility and level of interactivity, as well as increasing the feeling of presence, trust and control in complex, dispersed teams. The Physual Designing Network has been tested extensively with up to four locations engaged simultaneously, and a variety of symmetrical and asymmetrical collaborative situations are supported.