Examples of Knowledge Work Systems
Major knowledge work applications include computer-aided design (CAD) systems , virtual reality systems for simulation and modeling, and financial workstations.
• Contemporary CAD systems are capable of generating realisticlooking three-dimensional graphic designs that can be rotated and viewed from all sides. Architects from Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill LLP used a three-dimensional CAD program called “ Revit ” to work out the creative and technical details of the design for the Freedom Tower at the site of the former World Trade Center. The software enabled the architects to strip away the outer layer to manipulate the shape of the floors. Changes appeared immediately
in the entire model, and the software automatically recalculated
the technical details in the blueprints. 30
• Virtual reality systems use interactive graphics software to create computer-generated simulations that are so close to reality that users almost believe they are participating in a real-world situation. In many virtual reality systems, the user dons special clothing, headgear, and equipment, depending on the application.
The clothing contains sensors that record the user’s movements and immediately transmit that information back to the computer.
• Virtual reality applications developed for the Web use a standard called Modeling Language (VRML) . VRML is a set of specifications for interactive, three-dimensional modeling on the World Wide Web that organize multiple media types ,including animation, images, and audio to put users in a simulated real-world environment. VRML is platform independent, operates over a desktop computer, and requires little bandwidth.
• The financial industry is using specialized investment workstations to leverage the knowledge and time of its brokers, traders, and portfolio managers.