Collaborative Mapping Environment

Synergo v4.0

An experimental software prototype for synchronous collaborative problem solving and the analysis of group collaboration. One of the main outcomes of my PhD research at the HCI group of the University of Patras.

Launch Synergo (JNLP)

Java Web Start application — requires OpenWebStart and a Java 21+ runtime.

About Synergo

The SYNERGO collaborative modelling environment is an experimental software prototype that is one of the main products of my research during the preparation of my PhD thesis and my participation in the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) group of the University of Patras.

The SYNERGO environment can be used to support collaborative problem solving and the analysis and exploration of collaborative activity.

The 2026 refresh

Twenty years on, I modernised the original 2006 codebase: it is now a Maven project that builds and runs on Java 21, and the Web Start distribution has been re-signed with a fresh certificate.

Synergo runs on any platform with a Java 21 runtime — Windows, macOS or Linux.

Installation & FAQ

Launch instructions

  1. Install a Java 21 (or newer) runtime from the Oracle Java downloads page.
  2. Install OpenWebStart, the open-source replacement for Java Web Start (which was removed from Java itself back in Java 11).
  3. Click Launch Synergo below and open the downloaded .jnlp file. The jars are self-signed — accept the security prompt for publisher “Meletis Margaritis” when asked.
Launch Synergo

Frequently asked questions

Open a terminal (or Command Prompt on Windows) and type the command: java -version

Download Java 21 or newer from the Oracle Java downloads page and install it for your platform.

Java Web Start was removed from Java itself in Java 11, so a plain JRE can no longer open .jnlp files. Install OpenWebStart, which registers itself as the handler for .jnlp files, then open the downloaded file again.

Related publications

  • J4

    M. Margaritis, C. Fidas and N. Avouris, “A framework to facilitate building of collaborative learning applications”, Advanced Technology for Learning (ATL) International Journal, Special Issue on Technology for Collaborative Learning, vol. 4, no. 1, 2007. PDF

  • J2

    M. Margaritis, N. Avouris, G. Kahrimanis, “On Supporting Users’ Reflection during Small Groups Synchronous Collaboration”, 12th International Workshop on Groupware, CRIWG 2006, Valladolid, Spain, September 17–21, 2006. Groupware: Design, Implementation and Use, LNCS 4154, pp. 140–154, Springer Verlag, 2006. PDF

  • C25

    N. Avouris, M. Margaritis, V. Komis, “Modelling interaction during small-group synchronous problem-solving activities: The Synergo approach”, 2nd International Workshop on Designing Computational Models of Collaborative Learning Interaction, ITS 2004 — 7th Conference on Intelligent Tutoring Systems, Maceio, Brazil, September 2004. PDF

  • C18

    M. Margaritis, N. Avouris, V. Komis, “Visualization of Synchronous Collaborative Modeling Activities”, Proc. IEEE ICALT 2004, Joensuu, Finland, September 2004, pp. 1088–1089 (extended abstract). PDF