Multiperson

Multiperson is a term used to describe activities, systems, or devices designed for participation by more than one person. It is commonly used to indicate collaborative or shared use rather than single-user operation, and can refer to hardware, software, services, or spaces that accommodate several participants simultaneously.

In technology, multiperson functionality enables concurrent input from multiple users. In software, it is closely related to, but not identical with, multiplayer or groupware. Multiperson features include real-time collaboration, synchronized data states, and conflict resolution when inputs overlap. Examples include online collaborative editors that show multiple cursors, multiplayer video games, and videoconferencing systems that support multiple participants in a single call. In physical contexts, multiperson devices and environments are designed to accommodate several users at once, such as multiperson seating in vehicles, shared workstations, or common-use kiosks.

In design and usability, multiperson systems must manage coordination, latency, and user interface clarity to prevent confusion. Accessibility considerations include ensuring that controls are discoverable and usable by people with varying abilities when more than one person is present, as well as respecting privacy and consent when inputs come from multiple users.

In summary, multiperson emphasizes joint participation and shared experience across software, hardware, and spaces, spanning entertainment, productivity, and public or commercial environments.