Re: multi-task-enabling CVE - realworld paradigms ?

Martin Robinson (martin@themekit.co.uk)
Tue, 6 Aug 1996 11:44:11 +0100

I've been following the recent discussion on multiple embodiment and
multi-task-enabling environments.
There is definitely a need to be able to provide a tool that will
allow many tasks to be carried out simultaneously. This is part of many
people's realworld jobs and a tool to aid these tasks is already in demand -
I want one!
Prior to starting up Themekit, I led multiple teams of software
engineers at Racal - this could be defined as a single task specification.
However, inside that task specification is the requirement to keep many
other tasks on the go - keeping the communcications flowing, assigning new
tasks, monitoring continuing tasks, s/w engineering, drawing up
specifications, quality control, keeping the customer happy etc. etc. In
most jobs there exists at least two parallel tasks following on from our own
data flow (1) the job in hand and (2) keeping up a relationship with a
supervisor. Perhaps this is a fundamental requirement for any CVE
implementation.
I too am checking the email whilst waiting for other tasks to
complete and, although a beep from a machine to indicate email presence
would be workable in my environment, I would much prefer one of the methods
outlined by Anthony Steed if I was working as an immersant in a CVE.
Obviously, paradigms for multi-task-enabling CVE's are dependent on
the situation to which they will be applied. Is anyone working on a
realworld multi-task-enabling CVE ? If so, can you share your findings with us ?

Martin Robinson
Managing Director
Themekit Ltd

martin@themekit.co.uk
http://www.themekit.co.uk