APQC’s research on virtual collaboration shows that the biggest challenges are about people and processes—not the technology itself. That said, there are some really innovative and useful virtual collaboration tools out there. To get a pulse on the latest tech toys (and of much more, of course), I invited Jude Cohen, social strategist at Ogilvy, to join us on the APQC podcast. She and APQC’s Lauren Trees pointed to some tools and ideas that are well worth checking out. APQC doesn't endorse specific apps or products, but we're always looking at tools with capabilities that appear to address member needs. Here are some ideas of the kind of apps we're seeing and what they offer.
Digital Whiteboards Options
Jamboard
Jamboard is a cloud-based, interactive digital whiteboard that enables visual collaboration in real time. Jamboard is a Google tool, so it feels intuitive for people who already use Google Workspace tools. The app itself is free, but organizations can also purchase a physical Jamboard, which is helpful for running hybrid virtual meetings where some participants are in a conference room and others are joining in remotely. “I love Jamboard because it’s so collaborative and really involves people in the thing that you’re working on together,” said Jude. “That doesn’t need to just be reserved for brainstorming. For example, if you’re running a workshop or sitting on a panel, you could use Jamboard to collect questions instead of just having the audience submit questions through a chat. Getting them involved in that way feels more engaging and fun.”
Miro
Miro is another collaborative whiteboard platform. The downside is that it isn’t free (at least, after the first three boards you create), but the upside is that it’s really built for business. Miro has enterprise-grade security, advanced administration controls, and the ability to integrate with other work tools like Box, JIRA, and Slack. It also has pre-built templates for Agile project management, strategic planning, R&D, and more. But just because Miro is business-focused doesn’t mean it’s not creative and fun. APQC Conference keynoter Lance Weiler, for example, uses Miro to create interactive virtual storytelling experiences such as Where There’s Smoke.
Browser and Audio Based Virtual Meeting Tool Options
Wonder
Wonder is a browser-based virtual meeting tool that allows participants to move freely between different “rooms” and conversations, which enables more spontaneous and intimate interactions. “It’s kind of like if Zoom and Clubhouse had a baby, because you can see the different rooms, what topics they’re discussing, and who’s in those rooms,” said Jude. “We’re using this to re-create watercooler chats among our colleagues and get some of that inspiration and synergy back.”
Clubhouse
Clubhouse is an audio-based social media app. It’s a bit like a live, interactive podcast where you visit different rooms to listen and join in conversations. Currently, Clubhouse is only available through iOS with an invitation from a registered user. It’s also not a work tool, but Clubhouse—or something like it—has huge potential to enable networking, expertise location, and tacit knowledge transfer. All that stuff is already happening in Clubhouse, but it’s happening in an entrepreneurial/start-up way rather than an enterprise way. KMers should definitely keep an eye on this space.
Making Virtual Feel Like In-Person
Campfire
More of an idea to steal than a tool to buy, Campfire a is hybrid virtual meeting room concept developed for Google’s Googleplex campus. It’s a circular room where in-person attendees sit surrounded by large video displays, each of which shows the face of a remote participant. This makes it feel like the remote people are really there in the room with everyone else. We think clever KM and IT teams can jerry-rig a similar solution by, for example, using tablets on stands to display each remote participant.
Tired of Reading? Try a Podcast!
The APQC podcast is available on Spotify, Apple, and wherever else you get your podcasts. Subscribe now to stay up to date on the latest business insights, and check out the feed for two great chats with Jude about how different generations experience virtual collaboration and what leaders can do to improve cross-generational collaboration.