Sharing the squid: tangible workplace collaboration

Effective communication is central in building trust and negotiating differences in diverse, multidisciplinary working environments. In this paper we discuss a tangible mediated environment designed to facilitate positive social interaction between colleagues in a research workplace. Through our multi-user tangible interface in the form of a plush squid, participants can share media resources and collaborate in a playful and inviting setting. Results from preliminary studies indicate that playful mediated work environments stimulate constructive discourse, strengthen social bonds, and enhance creative output.