Well-Connected: Promoting Collaboration by Effective Networking

David A. Robb, Thomas S. Methven, Stefano Padilla, Mike J. Chantler

Abstract: We have developed a method and system that uses mutually agreed problem structuring and self-selection to bring together meeting attendees with complementary interests. The method builds upon previous tools which facilitate structuring and to these we have added method and assistive technology that both facilitates selection, and that records and displays “connections” in real-time. We have developed these methods over a number of major networking events and discovered that participants both enjoyed this targetted approach and found that it produced more effective collaboration opportunities.