February 20, 2023
Design workshops are a vital component of the design process that allow team members to collaborate, brainstorm and ideate. However, with the recent shift to remote work, it can be challenging to replicate the same level of engagement and productivity in a virtual setting. Luckily, Figjam, a collaborative whiteboarding tool from Figma, can help make remote design workshops more engaging and productive. In this post, we will explore how to run a productive design workshop remotely using Figjam and highlight some activities that work well when video conferencing.
Step 1: Set clear goals and expectations
Before starting a design workshop, it is essential to define clear goals and expectations. This means outlining the purpose of the workshop, what you hope to achieve, and who will be involved. Communicating these objectives upfront will help participants stay focused and motivated throughout the workshop.
Step 2: Choose the right activities
When running a remote design workshop, it's important to select activities that work well in a virtual setting. Some activities that work particularly well when video conferencing include:
Brainstorming: Using a virtual whiteboard, participants can collaborate in real-time to brainstorm and ideate. Figjam provides a variety of templates and shapes that can help structure the brainstorming session.
Design critiques: Participants can present their work using Figjam's presentation mode and receive feedback from the team. This feature allows for a seamless transition from presenting to collaboration.
User journey mapping: Mapping the user journey can be an effective way to identify pain points and areas for improvement. With Figjam, team members can collaborate on the same document and make changes in real-time.
Step 3: Prepare the virtual space
To ensure a productive design workshop, it is important to create a virtual space that is conducive to collaboration. This means setting up clear guidelines for communication and creating a virtual whiteboard that is easy to navigate. Figjam provides a variety of tools that can help organize and structure the virtual space, including sticky notes, shapes, and connectors.
Step 4: Facilitate the workshop
The role of the facilitator is to guide the team through the design workshop and ensure that the objectives are met. This means keeping the team on track, encouraging participation, and making sure that everyone has an opportunity to contribute. In a remote setting, it's important to be mindful of communication and ensure that all team members have a chance to speak.
Step 5: Follow up
After the design workshop, it's important to follow up with the team and make sure that all objectives were met. This means reviewing the outcomes of the workshop, taking note of any action items, and scheduling follow-up meetings as necessary.
In conclusion, running a productive design workshop remotely using Figjam requires clear goals and expectations, choosing the right activities, preparing the virtual space, facilitating the workshop, and following up with the team. By following these steps and incorporating Figjam's collaborative features, teams can engage in meaningful collaboration and drive the design process forward.
