Design Solutions to Reduce Miscommunication in Videoconferencing Meetings

Project length: 9 months

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Sector: For-Profit, B2B

My role: Graduate Research Assistant

Supervisor: Dr. Luanne Sinnamon, Associate Professor at UBC's School of Information 

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Utilized skills: ​​

• Problem space and design space identification through literature review

• Qualitative analysis with semi-structured interviews

• Design needs assessment and requirement generation using Reflexive Thematic Analysis

• Solution design using Speculative Design and Design Workbook methods

Background: 

Videoconferencing (VC) meetings are prone to miscommunications due to participants’ lack of co-presence, limited non-verbal communication and common technical difficulties. Miscommunication, including misunderstandings and misattributions, between participants are likely to occur in this setting, thus impacting the quality of communication. Moreover, miscommunication impacts virtual teams’ collaboration in terms of team performances, social relations, and team members’ wellbeing.

My research project investigates miscommunication experiences and factors during videoconferencing meetings after the COVID-19 pandemic. Details included in the poster below: 

Poster presentation:

Poster presented at the 2023 UBC's Designing for People Research Cluster Design Showcase​

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Design solutions: 

Design solutions are presented in a Design Workbook. Several participants from first interview session returned to evaluate the design solutions and provide their feedback in a second interview session. 

Research results:  

Results from this study is analyzed using the Reflexive Thematic Analysis method. Major themes are identified, and design implications are elicited. Details from the interviews and results are being compiled and prepared for publication.