Short answer

When designing or implementing collaborative systems, consider their dual role in enabling function and shaping identity, and how this might cascade to partner organisations.

Field: Innovation & Design
Source: OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network) (2008)
Method: Case Study
Evidence: Strong effect

Introducing new collaborative technologies can act as 'boundary objects' that not only facilitate information sharing but also redefine an organisation's identity and influence adjacent organisations. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2008 study published in OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network). Using Case study, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing or implementing collaborative systems, consider their dual role in enabling function and shaping identity, and how this might cascade to partner organisations.

Study

Innovation & DesignHigh ImpactStrong effect

Collaborative Technologies as Boundary Objects Shape Organisational Identity

OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network) · 2008

Key Findings

01Boundary objects (collaborative technologies) facilitate cross-organisational communication and collaboration.
02Boundary objects are used as a resource to form and reinforce organisational identities.
03Changes in boundary objects can trigger dynamic processes of change in information infrastructures and organisational identities, influencing bordering organisations.

Application

Design takeaway

When designing or implementing collaborative systems, consider their dual role in enabling function and shaping identity, and how this might cascade to partner organisations.

How to apply

When introducing a new shared digital tool, actively consider how it will be perceived and used by different teams and organisations, and how this perception might evolve over time.

Project actions

01When researching a new product, think about how it might be used by different groups and how that could affect their sense of identity.
02Consider how a product's shared use could influence relationships between different organisations or departments.

Method & Evidence

AimHow do collaborative information systems, conceptualised as boundary objects, influence organisational identities and information infrastructures within and across organisations during technology-enabled change?

MethodCase Study

ProcedureFour case studies were conducted to examine the introduction of 3D modelling tools in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, focusing on the resulting organisational changes.

ContextArchitecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry

Variables

IVIntroduction of new collaborative technology (boundary object).

DVOrganisational identity, information infrastructure, cross-organisational communication and collaboration.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Provides a framework for understanding the social impact of technology beyond mere functionality.
+Highlights the dynamic and cascading effects of technology adoption across organisational boundaries.

Limitations

It can be difficult to directly measure 'organisational identity' in a short design project. The influence on 'bordering organisations' might be hard to observe directly.

Reliability & validity

The case study method provides rich qualitative data but may have limited generalisability. Findings are based on interpretation of observed social processes.

Think critically

To what extent can a design proactively shape organisational identity, and what are the ethical considerations involved?

Design Principles

"Collaborative tools can serve as potent boundary objects, influencing both operational synergy and organisational self-perception."

Understanding how new technologies function as boundary objects is crucial for managing organisational change. Designers and strategists can leverage this understanding to anticipate and guide the impact of new tools on internal culture and external relationships.

What This Means for Your Design

When you introduce a new tool that people from different teams or companies use together, it doesn't just help them work, it can also change how they see themselves and their organisation.

How to use in your project

1.Discuss how your design could act as a boundary object, facilitating collaboration and potentially influencing user identity.
2.Analyse how the introduction of your designed product might affect the relationships and perceptions between different user groups or organisations.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The introduction of the [your product/system] can be conceptualised as the implementation of a boundary object. This object not only facilitates [specific collaborative function] but also has the potential to shape the organisational identities of its users and influence inter-organisational dynamics.

Source

OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network)

Boundary Matters: The Dynamics of Boundary Objects, Information Infrastructures, and Organisational Identities

journal · 2008

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about collaborative technologies as boundary objects shape organisational identity?: When designing or implementing collaborative systems, consider their dual role in enabling function and shaping identity, and how this might cascade to partner organisations. Evidence: OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network) (2008).
Why does "Collaborative Technologies as Boundary Objects Shape Organisational Identity" matter for design?: Understanding how new technologies function as boundary objects is crucial for managing organisational change. Designers and strategists can leverage this understanding to anticipate and guide the impact of new tools on internal culture and external relationships.
How can designers apply this research?: When designing or implementing collaborative systems, consider their dual role in enabling function and shaping identity, and how this might cascade to partner organisations.
What were the main findings?: Boundary objects (collaborative technologies) facilitate cross-organisational communication and collaboration.. Boundary objects are used as a resource to form and reinforce organisational identities.. Changes in boundary objects can trigger dynamic processes of change in information infrastructures and organisational identities, influencing bordering organisations.
What research method was used?: Case Study.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2008 journal from OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network).
What should I do differently in my next project?: When introducing a new shared digital tool, actively consider how it will be perceived and used by different teams and organisations, and how this perception might evolve over time.
What are the limitations?: The findings are based on a specific industry (AEC) and may not generalise to all contexts. The study focuses on the introduction phase of technology, not its long-term evolution.