A Framework to Manage the Complex Organisation of Collaborating: Its Application to Autonomous Systems

In this paper we present an analysis of the complexities of large group collaboration and its application to develop detailed requirements for collaboration schema for Autonomous Systems (AS). These requirements flow from our development of a framework for collaboration that provides a basis for designing, supporting and managing complex collaborative systems that can be applied and tested in various real world settings. We present the concepts of "collaborative flow" and "working as one" as descriptive expressions of what good collaborative teamwork can be in such scenarios. The paper considers the application of the framework within different scenarios and discuses the utility of the framework in modelling and supporting collaboration in complex organisational structures

Recursive space: play and creating space

Space is reconfigured through the participations of both gamers and the game, where game is understood as the programming and hardware of a game technology. Extending our understandings of the contributions of both gamer and game, the outcome of play emerges as the agencies of each are co-constituted. This space is recursive, based on feedback between the state of the game (relations between the objects) and the state of the gamer, which includes their knowledge, skill, mood and attention. The idea of recursive space is developed in two ways. First, as another means of describing a gamer's engagement with space, one that gives a greater account of the participation of technology. Secondly, it gives us a way of thinking about play as a process of creating space

Integrating ethical brands into our consumption lives

This paper considers the integration of ethical brands into mainstream consumption choices. After examining the growth and success of ethical brands within the last few years, the paper considers the branding issues that are of particular importance to ethical producers. It then identifies four dimensions that help the ethical brand cross the divide between ethical production and consumer acceptance. The four dimensions, Distinction, Love, Hedonism and Aesthetics are explored both from their historical precedence in consumption and in light of how they are integrated into current communications of ethical brands. The paper concludes with some thoughts on the problems and opportunities for ethical brands in mainstream integration