CommunicAID: Towards augmented communication systems

Within this paper the concept of augmented communication systems is introduced as a new approach to intelligent information supply and knowledge management based on the modification of communicative processes. Augmented communication systems aim to actively support individuals, organisations and virtual communities in making their internal and external communication more efficient. A precondition is to develop appropriate concepts and tools for the modelling, analysis and modification of communicative processes within and across organisational structures. The modification of communicative processes is based on an ontology approach, since ontologies provide a common language necessary for a meaningful communication and exchange of knowledge between humans and computers respectively. Individual preferences, recorded as user profiles as part of the ontology, are intended not only to personalise the user interface, but also to provide individually tailored modifications of communicative processes. A prototype application is presented that demonstrates the concept and feasibility of augmented communication system. Finally, this paper provides a brief summary of the current research project, re-iterates its conclusions, and makes suggestions for further work.