Distributed cognition

Perry, M. (2003). Distributed cognition. HCI models, theories and frameworks: Toward a multidisciplinary science(pp. 193-223). San Francisco, CA: Morgan Kaufmann Publishers.

Summary

This chapter describes the idea of Distributed Cognition (DCog) and its potential uses in an organizational setting. The basic idea is that is a problem-solving framework that is employed by using more than one individual to solve a problem aided by a technical tool or technology to transform ideas into outputs. Indeed, it is the people, the problem, and the tools that make up a DCog system. Within these units, there are specific functions to make a DCog system work. Representations are the way the system stores and idea, which could be mentally or as an artifact. There are sensory mechanisms which take input from outside the system and pass them to a processing unit via a representation. Action generators produce outputs. Memory preserves representations so they can be acted upon at a later date. Information processors can act on, transform, or even destroy representations. Additionally, they can help move representations towards and output, store them in the system memory, or prompt the sensory system to work on specific inputs it needs to continue processing.

To make a DCog system work, communication is key. Describing the background of the activity that is being fed into a DCog system along with the goals, and resources available are important. Inputs and expected outputs are important factors as well as they help to set the context for the system. Making the representations and processes used transparent will help the users and participants in the DCog system understand the transformations that take pace in the system when attempting to achieve the system’s goal.

Experience

I can really relate to the ideas of Distributed Cognition (DCog). The explanation presented in this paper got me to start seeing DCog systems everywhere! It’s almost the nature of the way I work is part of a larger DCog system. More so, I was able to use the framework to examine a system we are planning to roll out next year to determine if it supports DCog and to make recommendations to help it be successful.

KEYWORDS: Distributed Cognition, DCog, external cognition, representations, process, output, sensory mechanism, action generator, memory, information processor