Distributed Cognition

Exhibitor: Laura Bailey

Supervisor: Lesley Jolly

Research Group: Complex and Intelligent Systems

Industry Sector: Manufacturing and Industrial Applications

My thesis is a case study of distributed cognition and how the computerisation of work processes effects this. Distributed cognition in its most basic form is the sharing of knowledge through cognition. More specifically, distributed cognition in the work place is the constantly changing set of possibilities for the realisation of knowledge which depends on the context, resources and daily activities of the organisation.

The case study was carried out in a firm which builds models or architectually designed buildings. This firm is called Special Project Modelmakers. This organisation has only 5 workers: 4 male and 1 female. There is one computer which controls all the printing and cutting of materials in order for models to be made. There is one primary user of the system whilst the others work on hands-on tasks.

My task was to identify and map distributed cognition within Special Project Modelmakers and analyse the emerging patterns within the daily activites of the organisation.