Definition
Plain language
An old AI design where multiple problem-solvers coordinate by reading and writing to one shared workspace.
As stated in the literature
A coordination pattern in which independent solvers communicate through a common shared workspace rather than direct messaging; the conceptual ancestor of verified shared-context multi-agent systems like DeLM.
Why it matters: It lets independent solvers cooperate through a common workspace without needing to message each other directly, simplifying how a group of agents coordinates.
For example, several specialists solving a crossword could each write partial answers onto one shared whiteboard that the others read and build on.