By Marion Adamson
Building entertaining meetings by combining different platforms
Think Lego
The building and creative opportunities are tremendous. Whether you enjoy working to specification, or creating spontaneously, it’s quite mindboggling to think about how tiny shapes, cubes, rectangles, connectors, variety of hinges, such simple shapes when placed alongside in relation to others creates what could not be created by the one piece alone.
Think Tech Applications
The myriad and variety available can at times be overwhelming, and exciting too. I have heard individuals asking for the ‘best’ platform, the ‘best’ application.
Our tip to you is to reframe your questions, rather than seeking the ‘best’, ask:
What ‘type’ of virtual engagement and experience do I wish to build and create?
What is the ‘function’ and the ‘objective’ of the virtual interaction?
What are suitable ‘lego-equivalent’ technology applications to choose from?
Which ‘form’, i.e. technological platform/tool, best fits the ‘function’ we require?
Embrace the playful, value the variety available, and experiment with different combinations, let your objectives guide your discoveries. All the while in keeping in mind that your design should be user friendly.
Think User Friendliness
Consider the technological ease, skill and experience levels of your audience when selecting your technological platforms and tools. Make sure to only use two to maximum three platforms or tools in one session depending on its duration. You don’t want to overwhelm your participants and have them focus on coping with technology, rather than the process and content at stake. Moreover, the more technological elements you combine the greater the risk of hick-ups becomes. Technology, much like people, we have come to learn, does not always behave in predictable ways. Make sure you are completely proficient and comfortable with the platforms and tools you plan to use. And finally, provide your participants with sufficient guidance and support in terms of accessing and using the technology ahead of each session.
Here are a few of our favourites: https://hobilohu.myhostpoint.ch/technology-platforms-for-virtual-processes/
If you’d like to find out more about our practice in designing and facilitating purposeful and enjoyable virtual meeting and collaboration experiences, please contact us on info@i-p-k.co.za or on WhatsApp +27676087464.