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Staring at Tables: Exploring Conceptual Data Modeling as a Rich Collaborative Activity
Koesten, Laura Miedema, Daphne Wu, Hsiang-Yun Funk, Mathias
Koesten, Laura
Miedema, Daphne
Wu, Hsiang-Yun
Funk, Mathias
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3772318.3790319.pdf
Adobe PDF, 2.86 MB
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Department
Human Computer Interaction
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Conference proceeding
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http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Language
English
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Abstract
Conceptual data modeling is a central activity in data work, yet how such models are created remains understudied. While data attributes play a key role, modeling is also shaped by tasks, tools, developers’ prior experiences, and often unfolds collaboratively between diverse stakeholders. In this study, we invited 22 participants with varying expertise in pairs to collaboratively sketch conceptual data models. We captured screen recordings, their evolving sketches, and conversations. Through a mixed-methods approach combining thematic analysis of dialogue with an examination of model artifacts, we identify how communication and collaboration patterns influenced the process. Our findings reveal a range of collaborative strategies and representations, as well as distinct ways dialogue shaped the emergence and expression of shared conceptual models. These insights deepen understanding of Human-Data Interaction in collaborative data work and point to design opportunities for tools that better support communication, negotiation, and sensemaking of data.
Citation
L. Koesten, D. Miedema, H.-Y. Wu, M. Funk, "Staring at Tables: Exploring Conceptual Data Modeling as a Rich Collaborative Activity," 2026, pp. 1-21.
Source
Proceedings of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
Conference
CHI 2026: CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
Keywords
46 Information and Computing Sciences, 4608 Human-Centred Computing
Subjects
Source
CHI 2026: CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
Publisher
Association for Computing Machinery