I was added to someones ConceptShare workspace recently to consultant on some designs. I was one of the first few people in the workspace and was able to make a few, what i hope were useful comments. The admin later added 12 and it was amazing to see how quick the pace change as there were 4 people in the space at once then 8 and basically we came up with so many ideas and decisions were made in under 5 minutes. Comments and replies were flying. Debates were happening. People were really engaged. It still amazes me how much time was saved vs sending those designs via email alone. As they others joined they also had great feedback and the momentum continued while I worked on other things.

It reminded me of a basic principle of this type of collaboration. If you have 2 or 3 people I think it does work effectively but can take longer, the more people added seems to increase the pace and frequency of the conversation. Everything happens fast and then its over and then back to Photoshop to redo and then do it all over again. Adding more people gives you better feedback faster almost everytime. That is why we put NO LIMITS on the number of people you can invite. So if you are redesigning your corporate business cards why not bring in the front line workers, assitant, interns, clients and see what they think.

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