User models in cooperative task-oriented environments

A model of cooperative, task-oriented work is presented from the user's point of view that takes into account the domain, the cooperative aspects of the tasks, tool functionality, and usability issues. The model has implications for the functionality of computer system cooperative work tools and their interfaces. In addition to the domain-independent, mathematical framework, empirical research is presented about the view people have about tasks in their respective domains. This research verifies aspects of the model. Finally, an example is presented of the application and usage of the model.<<ETX>>