Bridging artifacts and actors: supporting knowledge and expertise sharing work practices through technology

In this paper we present findings from longitudinal case studies examining work practices in three different organizations. We propose that knowledge and expertise sharing (KES) within organizations can be supported by focusing on two mutually intertwined elements -- artifacts and actors -- and their interaction within a particular setting. We find that a closer examination of work practices helps in developing better support as the new design meshes well with technology already available within the organization. In this paper we discuss our research and design methodology and present specific technological modifications we introduced in organizational work practices.