By the IPK Team
There are a range of technology platforms, that serve different purposes, that one can use for virtual processes.
In our experience, platforms and applications used in combination, for the right purpose at the right time, allow us to create a seamless and integrated experience for participants.
Real-time Conferencing
Zoom
This is a virtual hosting platform and would be used to host work that takes place in the collective space. We would also use this for any subgroup work, e.g. country-specific work, or sector- specific subgroup work sessions. Creating breakout rooms, integrating with Zoom friendly plugins, we can work together with relatively low data usage (1mb/minute) and with a system that we have found to be stable. Zoom replaces the face-to-face venue and is our virtual meeting space.
Polling & Rating
AllOurIdeas
In the virtual world, AllOurIdeas enables participants to prioritize a myriad of ideas, to add new additional ideas, and to work together asynchronously. It does not require everyone being awake at the same time, and see’s time as more fluid. As a prioritizing tool, a powerful algorithm sits in the backend calculating top selection of ideas based on participant decisions presented during the use of the tool. The data can be exported in excel format. This replaces face-to-face topic generation and prioritization activities.
Mentimeter
For real-time polls, check-ins to the virtual space and for creating linkages between asynchronous work (whether completed individually or in pairs), this tool allows for flexible and creative ways to feed information into the virtual meeting space via digital and visual means. The access is user friendly, via website and a numeric code. This is a great tool to use and works well in both face-to-face and virtual sessions. It also provides anonymity for the input giver. Data can be exported as pdf and excel format.
Joint Documenting & Boards
Google Docs & Google Sheets
This is where collaborative work in real-time takes place, and it replaces the flip chart that would be visible in the face-to-face session. This can be used in both synchronous and asynchronous environments.
Ideaflip
A virtual application that enables making use of sticky post-its to collaborate with others. With minimal time needed to upskill on this system, participants are able to brainstorm together, voting and giving their input on harvested items from both synchronous and asynchronous work sessions. Ideaflip replaces the flipchart, the super size sticky post-it and voting dots in the face- to-face space.
Alternatively: Mural
Making available a range of templates, mural creates backdrops upon which to work. Imagine a wall in a workshop room that has been carefully prepared with a canvas – one that is appropriate for the task or activity that participants will work on together. Instead of a concrete wall or glass window that holds a large canvas, participants view the mural template. Additional functionality includes accessing sticky notes, voting stickers, a drawing pen – it brings the stationary requirements to the fingertips of the participants themselves.
Async Collaboration
Loomio
Elaborate ideas & propositions, and assess the same.
Continuous Sharing
Slack
Channels can be created for different topics and participants can join different channels. This tool enables the sharing and exchange of information, learnings, insight and knowledge. It is a bridge that facilitates connection across boundaries that would traditionally operate in a more siloed-esque manner. It has a number of different application integrations facilitating sharing of information from google, dropbox to name a few.
Alternatively: WhatsApp
Possibly one of the more popular apps that are available across android and apple devices enabling the setting up of broadcast message groups, and smaller subgroups. Search is possible on group or chat level. Images can be shared, notifications can be switched on or off as desired.
Please get in touch with us at info@i-p-k.co.za if you have any questions or would like assistance in ascertaining which of these platforms might work best for you.