Human and machine roles in team product reviews, a prescription for change

A team product review, often called a structured walkthrough, is one type of small group meeting used to improve the quality of system deliverables. During all such meetings, participants assume roles; these have been discussed in the behavioral literature. Lately, new computer-based technologies for improving meetings have emerged. These technologies may help developers, but their use in support of meetings will require system developers to understand and accept new procedures and methods, and understand the roles of both the participants and technology. This paper examines the team product review process, past work on the various roles in small groups, and changes that might be needed when using computer system support. A basic premise is that an analysis of the roles of humans and machines can show how processes should change in order to use new technology to its maximum potential.