From collaboration to co-creation: Investigating information creation as mediated action in a research group workshop

Investigating information creation as mediated action offers a novel perspective to study information co-creation in groups and communities. This perspective considers all action to occur at the intersection of social practices and mediational means, the semiotic and material tools used. By employing nexus analysis as the methodological framework, the information creation practices, and mediational means used were investigated in a research group workshop. The primary data consists of video observation data from three teams. The findings show how information co-creation is shaped not only by immediate workshop interactions but also by long-term social and institutional structures. The materially mediated information creation practices involved rapid negotiation and adaptation to different semiotic and material tools. Specifically, previous experiences and hierarchical structures influenced how and by whom information was created. Practical implications underscore the importance of developing working conditions considering diverse backgrounds and complex leadership dynamics alongside the challenges posed by using varied material tools for information co-creation. • Employing nexus analysis, information creation is investigated as mediated by semiotic and material tools. • The focus is on the information creation practices unfolding in a research group workshop setting. • Information co-creation is shaped by immediate workshop interactions and long-term social and institutional structures. • Information co-creation requires rapid adaptation and negotiation on chosen practices and tools. • Nexus analysis offered a multi-level perspective on studying information co-creation within groups and communities.