Evaluating an Extension-First Multiplayer Browsing System for Collaborative Web Tasks

This project investigates whether an extension-first multiplayer browsing system can improve the efficiency and experience of collaborative web tasks compared with conventional link sharing and screen sharing. The proposed system, called Co-op Web, will provide a browser extension that allows two to four users to join a temporary Portal session through a shareable link. Participants will be able to view each other’s presence, share page context, highlight text, and place collaborative notes on supported webpages.

The project will use a design-and-evaluation methodology: first, a functional prototype will be developed using a Chromium extension, TypeScript or JavaScript, a Node. js backend, and WebSocket-based real-time communication; second, a small user study will compare collaborative tasks completed using ordinary link sharing, screen sharing, and the Portal prototype. The study will measure task completion time, context switching, usability, collaboration quality, perceived workload, connection reliability, and willingness to reuse the system.

The project will also document privacy, security, browser-permission, and synchronization limitations. Spatial Boards, browsing modes, and trust signals will be treated as future extensions rather than core claims of the initial study.