Visual collaboration platforms are flexible, cloud-based environments that provide an infinite, scalable canvas for teams to communicate and collaborate in real time, supporting simultaneous editing, whiteboarding, diagramming, sticky notes, screen sharing, and video and audio conferencing for both remote and co-located teams.
Core Capabilities of Visual Collaboration Platforms
To qualify for inclusion in the Visual Collaboration Platforms category, a product must:
- Provide an infinite canvas that can be broken down into smaller or separate workspaces
- Allow users to simultaneously access and edit a canvas
- Attach original files and links to a canvas
- Support real-time communication via video conferencing, voice chat, or text chat
- Provide universal search within the application
- Allow users to save their canvas in the cloud
Common Use Cases for Visual Collaboration Platforms
Visual collaboration platforms are industry-agnostic and used by multiple types of teams for a wide variety of projects. Common use cases include:
- Running remote brainstorming and workshop sessions using shared whiteboards and sticky notes
- Facilitating project planning, prototyping, and storyboarding with real-time collaborative diagramming
- Conducting meeting management and retrospectives in a flexible, visual environment
How Visual Collaboration Platforms Differ from Other Tools
While some visual collaboration platforms provide native communication features, others integrate with established business instant messaging software and video conferencing software to complement their canvas capabilities. Some products are optimized for specific hardware such as large touchscreen devices in huddle rooms, while others are designed to run on any device, making hardware compatibility an important consideration when evaluating platforms.
Insights from G2 on Visual Collaboration Platforms
Based on category trends on G2, the infinite canvas and real-time simultaneous editing stand out as standout features. These platforms deliver improvements in workshop engagement and cross-functional alignment as primary benefits of adoption.
