ABSTRACT
Field observations afford the opportunity to gain a realistic view of the full complexity of the work environment and empirically grounded hypoth eses for how interventions could impact the nature of work in that setting. They enable researchers to uncover and document cognitive and collabora tive demands imposed by a domain, the strategies that practitioners have developed in response to those demands, and the role that existing arti facts play in meeting domain demands. The results can be used to point to and guide the development of new types of support systems.
