Pros and Cons of Video Conferencing
Since COVID-19 has forced many teams to work remotely, Zachary Yorke, UX Researcher at Google, explains the science behind remote meetings and shares some interesting findings based on his experience in remote communication.
- Milliseconds matter: We are genetically programmed for a fast-paced exchange of in-person conversation and a delay of five-tenths of a second (500 ms) from laggy audio or fumbling for the unmute button is more than double what we’re used to in-person.
- Virtual conversations improve group performance
- Virtual cues are very effective: In video calls, we feel more comfortable when our listeners’ eyes are visible because we can read their emotions and reactions.
- Distance amplifies trust issues: In remote teams, when an issue pops up, individuals are more likely to blame one another rather than assessing the situation, which has a negative impact on group cohesion and performance.
- A “talking stick” is a good option