Remote Workshops - Tips to make it more effective

Challenges, Benefits and Principles for running remote workshops.

Transcript

2. Hi! I’m Nico, UX Designer at Booking.com
4. Collaboration Work towards a common goal at the same time Communication Avoid frustration and open discussions without a clear direction Alignment Prioritize new projects and define on what to work 3. 2. 1.
6. Everything is anonymous Removing the bias and exploring new solutions Creativity isn’t essential Provide the environment and step-by-step system to experiment with ideas 3. 2. Together & Alone Working individually, toward a common goal, in the same space 1.
8. Paper and markers Easy and simple to use. No need to explain how to use it vs. In person Tech tools Technical onboarding, setup exercises, plan in case of failures. Tech can fail. Remote
9. Dedicated room You have full control of the space. Light, seats, table, etc vs. In person Home You can’t control participants' environment. Noise, light, etc Remote
10. Focus Full attention during exercises. Disconnection from day to day work. No device rule vs. In person Limited focus Attention is spread with other activities. It's not easy to disconnect from day to day work Remote
12. Accessible Open the space to work with distributed teams Sustainable No travel, materials and it's paper free! 3. 2. 1. Logistics & Organization Easier to organize and set up the workshop
14. Feels weird You can’t fully control the experience Isolation Working with the tools might make participants feel isolated Rapport Connect with participants during breaks 3. 2. 1.
15. Focus Participants can’t disconnect from their day to day work Environment You can’t control the participants' environment Tech Technology could go wrong at any moment 6. 5. 4.
17. Energy Bring more energy to keep everyone engaged and break with the routine Communication Send the proper information at the right time Inclusion Make everyone feel part of the team 3. 2. 1.
18. Guidance Progressive disclosure and moving around the board Tech problems Be ready for technicals failures and have a backup plan Simplicity Try to no over complicate things. Clearly explain the tools to the participants 6. 5. 4.
20. What are the attributes of a technical facilitator? Multi-tasker, able to improvise, ready to critique when needed but mostly empathic Why do I need a technical facilitator? Support main facilitator
21. Before the workshop Technical onboarding, setup exercises, plan in case of failures. During the workshop Manage and backup board, chat communication during exercises, screenshots and take notes of the sessions After the workshop Clean up the board, export the board 3. 2. 1.
23. Accessible People with busy schedules can participate. Creativity and collaboration Should feel as collaborative and natural as an in person workshop Same value Outcome of the workshop is as valuable as in person workshop 3. 2. 1.
25. Over prepare The more you prepare, the better it will be. Keep it short Sitting in front of the computer is exhausting and it's very hard to stay focused. 3. 2. 1. Tech will fail Assume that technology will fail and have a backup plan.