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Screen-sharing – An ideal way to improve communication flow for any web project!

Screen-sharing - An ideal way to improve communication flow for any web project!

For any project, the final stages of creating a website are often the most crucial, because it is the period of time when a developer’s ideas get gradually converted into the client’s final vision. There are numerous methods of communication that I use with my clients in order to get the job over the line, as I often find that different people prefer to work in different ways. Some people like to email, others like to do things over the phone, and then there are people who like to use “lists” like Wunderlist in order to clearly map out the tasks that are to be completed.

However, one of the tools that I find so beneficial is Loom – a simple Google Chrome plugin, which enables both myself and a client to record screen videos whilst simultaneously narrating the changes that they’d like to see being made.  It’s a really useful way for me to be able to present information to a user, but also equally handy for them to respond with, giving them a great avenue for them to show me the elements that they would like adjusted.

There are number stages during any web projects, but the most notable one is usually the time where I present the first version of a website to a client. These are my ideas, based on their specification. Sometimes they love it straight away, and other times – they’d like amendments. Either way, there are many ways that they can provide their feedback:

Email or Text

Handy for when the client cannot necessary be around at a specific time, and they can explain the changes in textual format. The downside is that they need to be ultra concise with their explanations of which elements need adjusting, with a need for them to specify exactly which pages need changing.


List

Perfect for establishing a set list of tasks. These can be ticked off as soon as they are completed, and subscribers can be informed when they are actioned. This means there is no chance that jobs will be missed, as could happen when exchanging thoughts via email. The cons of this method though is the format is very rigid.


Phone Calls

Great for people who perhaps might not be able to articulate their thoughts over email, however often these type of calls can last up to an hour - that is an eighth of a working day! It's not ideal for a developer, and similarly, not being able to see the screen can often lead to confusion.


Screen Sharing

This is a great idea, as it enables the client to provide audio/video feedback whilst clicking around their own site, however it does require the two parties to be available at the same time of day - not always feasible!


Whilst each of the above methods do have a place, Loom is by far the most hassle free way for a client to provide feedback.  In Loom’s own words: “For every 10 seconds of video you record it is equivalent to 81 seconds of typing. No more super long emails that take forever to write. Simply click Loom to record and start saving time!”

You can accompany the video with your audio commentary by using your laptop mic, or an external one if you have one plugged in.

At the moment, Loom is available as an extension for Google Chrome only and it is currently not possible to install it on other browsers, such as Firefox or Safari. Once it is installed, you simply need to hit the record button, and you can then either record your whole screen, a specific application, or even just a single tab from your browser. You can accompany the video with your audio commentary by using your laptop mic, or an external one if you have one plugged in. Similarly, you can show own face from your webcam to provide that personal feel too!

Once you have finished the video, it will automatically upload the video to a link which you can then send to your chosen recipient, which will work on a desktop, tablet or phone. Also, you have the chance to download the video too!

It’s certainly with checking out Loom, whether you’re a developer or a client of a developer, because it certainly will enable a better and more comprehensive form of communication which hopefully will be beneficial between developer and client, enabling your new project to be completed with more accuracy and in a timely way!

Download Loom for Google Chrome


mm

I am fanatical about providing useful web experiences, via bespoke websites which engage, inform and entertain. I have been making websites since a young age, and am a keen supporter of AFC Bournemouth.

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