Development of Content Specific Information Display to Induce Informal Communication Leading to Informal Learning

Interactive displays are widely utilised as a mean to cascade information to the public. In this study, a content specific information display has been proposed to encourage workplace informal learning and a field study was conducted where the effectiveness of the display was compared with that of conventional method in triggering informal communication between colleagues in an engineering project office. The increase in informal communications is expected to foster an open and friendly workplace environment which is conducive to learning, enhancing better collaborations and knowledge sharing. The content specific topics are expected to encourage workplace learning activities, be it via self-reading or discussion with colleagues. Our results indicate that that both CSID and infographic poster positively affect workplace informal learning activities. High initial CSID interactions were recorded which then reduces to a consistent level after workers gained familiarity with the system. With this study, we realised that users need to be aware of the availability of new contents to maintain the feeling of \newness" and invite continuous interactions. Our findings support the possibility that constant usage of CSID would foster positive workplace discussions, increasing workers competency and help to reduce the numbers of workplace accidents caused by communication failure and lack of knowledge.