Wikum+: integrating discussion and summarization in collaborative writing

Abstract

In many instances of collaborative writing, ideation and deliberation about what to write happen in a separate space from the actual document writing. However, having discussion and writing separated may result in a final document that has little connection to the discussion that came before. Furthermore, online users often rely on filtering, voting, and moderation to manage lengthy conversations. In this work, I build upon a hybrid discussion and document-writing tool called Wikum+ to allow groups to mix having discussions and summarizing those discussions in real-time, until the process results in a final document that incorporates and links all discussion points. The system uses collaborative summarization interchanged with deliberation to synthesize the conversation into a meaningful artifact, that can be iterated and improved upon. I conducted a within-subjects user study of 6 small groups where each group used both Wikum+ and a control of Google Docs and a messaging app to collaboratively write proposals. I also conducted a between-subjects user study of 2 larger groups, with the control given only a Google Doc. From analyzing survey and interview results, I found evidence that Wikum+'s integration of discussion and summarization helped users be more organized as well as more inclusive of ideas, leading to a more comprehensive final document. Compared to a control, Wikum+ also allowed for more light-weight coordination and iterative improvements through the incorporation of new ideas.