One of the positives from the past few ‘interesting’ years has been our fast-track toward remote work and remote engagements.
It has opened opportunities for us to engage with people all over the country from the comfort of our own homes. And through this, conducting design research to enhance or completely reimagine their products, services, and experiences. Even when teaching Design Thinking we are able to deliver in-person, online, and hybrid versions.
While there are certainly things that we miss from in-person engagements, like the vibe and energy in the room, there are also a lot of benefits to using tech remotely.
Today I want to talk about some of the pros and cons of the various tools available for conducting and facilitating online research and education.
Miro
Pros:
- Versatile and collaborative platform for ideation, brainstorming, and design research
- Wide range of templates available for various design research methods
- Easy-to-use interface with drag-and-drop functionality
- Integrates well with other design and collaboration tools like Figma and Slack
- Offers real-time collaboration with team members, making remote work easier
- Allows for easy sharing of ideas and work with stakeholders
Cons:
- The free version has limited functionality and lacks some advanced features
- Some users may find the interface to be cluttered and overwhelming
- Can be difficult to organize and navigate large boards
- Can be costly for larger teams
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Mural
Pros:
- Designed specifically for remote collaboration, making it a great tool for remote teams
- Wide range of templates available for various design research methods
- User-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate and organize
- Allows for real-time collaboration with team members
- Integrates well with other collaboration and design tools
- Offers a variety of customization options to tailor the platform to your needs
Cons:
- The free version has limited functionality and lacks some advanced features
- Some users may find the interface to be less visually appealing than other platforms
- Can be difficult to use on slower internet connections
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FigJam
Pros:
- Designed specifically for ideation and brainstorming, making it a great tool for design research
- Offers a range of pre-built templates for various design research methods
- User-friendly interface with intuitive drag-and-drop functionality
- Integrates directly into Figma
- Allows for real-time collaboration with team members
- Can be used as a standalone tool or in conjunction with Figma
Cons:
- The free version has limited functionality and lacks some advanced features
- Some users may find the interface to be less customizable than other platforms
- May not be suitable for larger projects or teams
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Whimsical
Pros:
- Offers a range of templates for various design research methods
- User-friendly interface with intuitive drag-and-drop functionality
- Integrates well with other design and collaboration tools like Figma and Slack
- Allows for real-time collaboration with team members
- Offers a variety of customization options to tailor the platform to your needs
Cons:
- The free version has limited functionality and lacks some advanced features
- Some users may find the interface to be less visually appealing than other platforms
- May not be suitable for larger projects or teams
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Overall, each of these platforms offers a range of benefits and drawbacks. The right platform for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Our preferred platform is definitely Miro. It’s a fantastic collaboration tool and allows a huge amount of users at the same time, which is great for facilitating online learning.
There are no excuses for conducting great research, no matter where you are. Let’s get out there and find out!