Ecological Design, Collaborative Care, and Ocean Informatics

Abstract

In this paper, we describe challenges and experiences with the Ocean Infonnatics concept, an interdisciplinary collaboration drawing on insights from the participatory design, computersupported cooperative work, and science studies literatures to support infonnation design efforts within the rapidly evolving world of ocean science. The paper explores in particular the interdisciplinary tensions that frequently - and properly - attend such collaborative undertakings. We propose a model of collaborative care as an ideal for the simultaneous preservation and bridging of difference.