Video thrilled the design star
1 min read
Over the last decade or so there have been a number of forces that have changed the format of the average design department – globalisation, outsourcing, and of course the increasing connectivity of everyone and everything concerned, are just three. Increased connectivity of course is one of those divisive issues – better connections do not always mean better communication. Just look at the social skills of an average teenager!
However, in the right hands the opportunities offered by some of the latest communications technology is clearly beneficial. The steps being taken in the world of video conferencing are a case in point, and could be a useful tool in increasing the productivity of disparate design teams. I recently spoke to Polycom about its latest developments.
The rise and rise of the tablet has been a disruptive technology and has become a tool that rapidly migrated from leisure to work environments.
Such is the quality of video on portable devices, the tablet-enabled delegate can comfortably be part of a virtual conference. In fact there are free apps to get these portable devices conference ready – no further hardware is needed. In general the HD quality of the video has changed the whole video conferencing experience from the clunky, crackling and unreliable option it was before.
While there are CAD sharing tools, these may not quite operate in the video conferencing environment yet – the host can display and work-on files but others cannot interact directly with the project. But for designers wanting to discuss progress with other designers, customers or production partners, there are many benefits to be had. Polycom refer to the example of engineering consultancy firm Buro Happold. Having implemented Polycoms RealPresence video solutions it has reported a saving of £3m in travel costs and a gain of 3000 hours a month in productivity. 90% of its staff are now video-enabled.
It highlights the main uses as:
• Engineers communicating and visually collaborating and sharing data in real time on complex designs to accelerate decision making and enhance teamwork.
• Staff hosting client meetings over video to discuss and collaborate on projects plans.
• Project teams holding real-time digital design review meetings to present their designs and get feedback.
• Managers holding internal management and team meetings across multiple locations.
Another thing of note, with many people used to using applications like Skype for free, many of today's solutions are not the bank-breaking projects that used to be only found in the City's big corporate – many would pay back with only a few saved air fares.
If you or your staff are spending too much unproductive time travelling, it may be worth looking into.
