Using Loom for Asynchronous Communication: A Positive Experience

[#1]

In today's fast-paced work environment, effective communication is crucial for the success of any project, not just in software development.

Loom, a video recording platform, has emerged as a valuable tool for promoting asynchronous communication across various contexts.

In this article, I will share my positive experience using Loom to keep my leadership informed about the current status of various projects, including but not limited to software implementation.

What is Loom?

Loom is a user-friendly application that allows users to create screen recordings and videos while simultaneously using their voice and webcam. This functionality makes it easy to convey complex information visually and audibly, which is beneficial in a wide range of scenarios, from project updates to training sessions.

Benefits of Asynchronous Communication

1. Flexibility and Time Savings

Asynchronous communication allows team members to convey and receive information at their convenience. With Loom, team members can create videos that document the current status of their projects. Leadership can then watch these videos at their own pace, eliminating the need for immediate meetings. This not only saves time but also reduces the pressure to provide instant responses.

2. Clarity and Understanding

Complex information can often be challenging to communicate effectively. By using Loom, team members can share their screens and visually demonstrate progress or updates. This enables leadership to better understand the current state of various initiatives, as they can see how different aspects function and what challenges may exist. The combination of visual and auditory elements enhances comprehension and reduces misunderstandings.

3. Documentation and Traceability with Confluence

Integrating Loom with Confluence allows for seamless documentation of project progress. The videos created with Loom can be embedded directly into Confluence pages, providing a rich media experience alongside written documentation. This creates a comprehensive record of the project's evolution, which is particularly useful for all types of status updates. Leadership can revisit the Confluence pages to track progress and make informed decisions.

4. Fostering Team Culture

Asynchronous communication with Loom promotes an open and transparent team culture. By regularly sharing updates on their progress, team members cultivate a sense of accountability and engagement. Leadership can comment on the videos and provide feedback, fostering dialogue without the need for formal meetings. Confluence serves as a central hub for these interactions, allowing all team members to stay informed and engaged.

My Positive Experience

In my recent projects, we implemented Loom to keep our leadership updated on various status updates, not just in software development. The results were overwhelmingly positive. The ability to create quick video updates allowed us to communicate effectively without the need for constant meetings. Our leadership appreciated the clarity of the visual presentations, which helped them grasp complex concepts quickly.

Embedding Loom videos in our Confluence pages created a dynamic documentation experience. Team members could easily catch up on the project's history by watching the videos and reading the accompanying documentation. The feedback loop created through video comments also enhanced our collaboration, making everyone feel more connected despite working remotely.

Conclusion

Using Loom for asynchronous communication across various projects offers numerous benefits. From flexibility and time savings to clarity and comprehensive documentation, Loom enables teams to communicate effectively and maintain transparency in their progress. In an era where remote work and distributed teams have become the norm, Loom and Confluence are valuable tools for optimizing communication and ensuring the success of all types of projects. By collaborating in this manner, leadership and team members can better navigate challenges and enhance overall efficiency.

I think we were use loom often in our projects  in the next time. 

[Jesse Feldman]

Thank you so much for sharing your approach to better communication/alignment with leadership! It's awesome to hear about the value of Loom and Confluence together for you.