Design process maps: A look at team dynamics

We study how team dynamics affect processes and artifacts using 16 senior capstone design teams. We propose that positive team dynamics leads to higher-quality, innovative designs. Throughout the approximate 30 week project, team members recorded tasks worked on and reflected on team progress. Chronological narratives were created that included the members' activities, breakthroughs, and team specifics. In addition, students completed a team survey, which measured dimensions of: Communication, collaboration, and decision making. Using these datasets and Markovian analysis, we were able to document the importance of positive team dynamics, especially relative to collaboration on project success.