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Do Zenware Applications Reduce the Digital Distraction of Knowledge Workers? A Qualitative Study Based on Expert Interviews

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Advances in Ergonomics in Design (AHFE 2017)

Part of the book series: Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing ((AISC,volume 588))

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Abstract

Applications helping us to maintain the focus on work are called “Zenware” (from concentration and Zen). While form factors, use cases and functionality vary, all these applications have a common goal: creating uninterrupted, focused attention on the task at hand. The rise of such tools exemplifies the users’ desire to control their attention within the context of omnipresent distraction. In expert interviews we investigate approaches in the context of attention-management at the workplace of knowledge workers. To gain a broad understanding, we use judgement sampling in interviews with experts from several disciplines. We especially explore how focus and flow can be stimulated. Our contribution has four components: a brief overview on the state of the art (1), a presentation of the results (2), strategies for coping with digital distractions and design guidelines for future Zenware (3) and an outlook on the overall potential in digital work environments (4).

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Communication Technology, Ulm University of Applied Sciences, Ulm, Germany

    Damian Gerbaulet

  2. Offenburg University, Offenburg, Germany

    Oliver Korn

Authors
  1. Damian Gerbaulet
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  2. Oliver Korn
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Correspondence to Damian Gerbaulet .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz Quebrada, Portugal

    Francisco Rebelo

  2. Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil

    Marcelo Soares

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Gerbaulet, D., Korn, O. (2018). Do Zenware Applications Reduce the Digital Distraction of Knowledge Workers? A Qualitative Study Based on Expert Interviews. In: Rebelo, F., Soares, M. (eds) Advances in Ergonomics in Design. AHFE 2017. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 588. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60582-1_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60582-1_12

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