In order to use groupware applications effectively a sense of workspace awareness is required. Distortion oriented visualisation techniques, such as fisheye lenses, have been proposed as a means of achieving this awareness. These techniques have been demonstrated in point systems but there is a need to test their effectiveness in 'real' applications. DOME is a collaborative writing system written to evaluate the effectiveness of these techniques in a larger context. Some preliminary usability studies have been conducted to eliminate problems and give an indication of the effectiveness of the technique.