Remote Research Tools

2020 has been full of challenges and surprises. Due to the current state of the world, a lot of work has shifted to remote. While this may present you and your research team with unexpected challenges, there are some tools that can help when you are working from home. Here, we have compiled a list of different remote research tools to help you before, during, and after your project.

1.) Communication Tools
If you are working on a project with a team, you may be struggling to keep up the same level of communication and productivity with all of you working from your individual homes. However, today there are a variety of different communication apps for your team to stay connected. Slack is a helpful communication tool for teams and businesses. Slack offers different interactive features and allows you to share information and files with those in your company. Slack allows you to create channels to help further organize your teams and topics of discussion. If your team is already using Slack, but miss the in-person aspect of collaboration, we recommend that you try Zoom or Google Meet. If you are working with a larger team, Zoom can be helpful with its breakout room feature. This allows members of your team to meet in smaller groups within the meeting, which can be very beneficial if you have certain tasks divided amongst team members.

2.) Collaboration Tools
If your project relies on more visual collaboration, then we recommend trying tools like Figma, Klaxoon, and Markup. Each of these apps is extremely useful for real-time collaboration and brainstorming. Each has unique features and strengths and can be helpful in the day to day work of your team. Markup allows you to leave comments on any live website and Figma and Klaxoon allow you to share information with your team, and brainstorm with them in an interactive and visual way. Your collaboration may not be in person, but with these tools, you can still get the most out of your time.

3.) Time Tools
For some people, it is difficult to maintain a productive work schedule when they are not in a typical work environment. Especially if you are now working from home, you may be experiencing a lack of motivation and accountability. If you are someone that struggles with time management when left to your own devices, then Timely may help! Timely allows you to track the time you work automatically and provides you with visuals to see how your time was spent. Use Timely as a tool to hold yourself accountable and keep yourself on a schedule even when you are at home!

4.) Survey Tools
If your research project plans on using surveys, there are many different online tools that can be used to collect your information remotely. Tools like SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, and Survey Kiwi can all help you to create customized, and targeted surveys for your research project. Survey Monkey allows users to make a simple survey that can be shared immediately with others. You can create unlimited surveys with SurveyMonkey and for smaller research teams, this is the tool for you! Qualtrics is useful for larger teams and is helpful with their pre-made templates and more personalized experience. Finally, Survey Kiwi is the right choice for you if you are struggling with your response rate. Survey Kiwi is customizable and has an average completion rate of over 80% due to its speed, simplicity, dynamism, look, and feel.

5.) Data Collection Tools
If you are looking for online data collection and sharing tools while working remotely, [Conseris] (https://conseris.io/) is here to help! With Conseris, you can collect, explore, and share data regardless of where you are! Conseris offers a 30-day free trial and features that your team will benefit from. Work and research look a little different right now, but Conseris can be there to help you adjust.

Working, and researching, from home may take a little bit of adjustment. This is a challenging time for everyone, but these tools can help to return some normalcy to your routine.