A whiteboard is a writing surface, typically made of white metal. Similar to a blackboard, it’s a writable tool used for teaching and meeting discussions.
Therefore, there’s a variety of whiteboard versions. From regular whiteboards that get dirty and hard to clean after a while, to glass whiteboards that offer smooth and easy writing surfaces, to sticker whiteboards that are easy to install and space-saving, and finally to electronic whiteboards with unlimited writing space. The form of whiteboards has evolved with technological advancements, but many find these options unsatisfactory and cumbersome in operation.
Why do we need whiteboards?
Freedom: Whiteboards offer a sense of freedom, like a blank sheet of paper. You can express your thoughts freely on a blank page. Visualization: Using modules like pens, text boxes, and templates, you can quickly express your thought process and ideas in a visual way. In fact, whiteboards are not a new thing. Many companies have been using physical whiteboards for activities like meetings. Nowadays, with changes in work patterns, there is a growing need for electronic whiteboard tools in scenarios like remote work and remote education.
Rethinking the purpose of blackboards
Blackboards have a unique charm associated with nostalgia. We can retain this charm while giving them more practical functions. How can we integrate blackboards into trendy cafes, art spaces, or collaborative work environments?
In trendy cafes, blackboards can be an excellent way to showcase special coffee varieties, unique pastries, or the daily menu. Using handwritten fonts and graphics creates a unique visual presentation, providing customers with an immersive experience. In art spaces, blackboards are not just tools for conveying information but also a part of art. Artists can use blackboards to express creativity, draw temporary artworks, or showcase spontaneous thought processes. This creates a unique interaction between artists and audiences. In collaborative work environments, blackboards can be the birthplace of creative collisions, sparking inspiration among team members by sharing ideas, flowcharts, or project progress. This combination of practicality with nostalgic elements meets the demands of modern collaboration, creating a vibrant work atmosphere.
Popular virtual whiteboard tools
There are many virtual whiteboard tools available, and we’ll introduce a few practical and popular ones.
Versatile Miro
Miro is a popular virtual whiteboard tool that integrates features like charts, flowcharts, notes, and online collaboration. Whether for remote team collaboration or online creative work, Miro provides a rich set of tools for users to express and share ideas intuitively.
Real-time collaboration with MURAL
MURAL is another powerful virtual whiteboard tool, focusing on providing an environment for real-time collaboration and creative teamwork. It supports users in creating various charts, designing mind maps, and collaborating online, promoting more efficient remote collaboration.
Agile development with Conceptboard
Conceptboard is a virtual whiteboard tool designed specifically for agile development and remote collaboration. It emphasizes the visual communication of teams, supporting users in creating project plans, user storyboards, and prototypes to help teams better understand and advance projects.
Jamboard for online classes
Google Jamboard, introduced by Google, is a virtual whiteboard tool particularly suitable for online education and team collaboration. Users can write together, insert images, and add notes, providing a convenient platform for interaction and creative expression.
Innovative DIY Whiteboard Alternatives
First and foremost, an economical and flexible choice is a prime condition for innovative DIY whiteboard solutions. Through clever material selection and customized design, you can create a whiteboard that meets your personal needs and experience the joy of the creative process.
Choose the right materials. Consider using magnetic paint to turn the entire wall into a massive whiteboard area. Alternatively, try glass boards, which not only allow writing but also make the space look brighter. Acrylic boards are another lightweight and cost-effective option suitable for small whiteboard projects.
Start thinking about custom designs. The size, shape, and functionality of the whiteboard can all be adjusted according to your needs. Do you need a large whiteboard spanning the entire wall, or a portable one that is easy to carry? Consider adding extra features such as built-in storage space or projection capabilities to enhance the practicality of the whiteboard.
Given that whiteboards are often used with magnetic elements, ensure that your DIY whiteboard can accommodate magnetic writing tools, icons, or additional magnetic markers. This makes it more convenient to organize and display information, turning the whiteboard into a multifunctional workspace.
Advantages of Digital Smart Whiteboard Alternatives
A smart whiteboard combines the advantages of these tools, simplifying complexity by integrating a computer, projector, screen, electronic whiteboard, advertising machine, sound system, and more. It supports multi-touch capabilities.
Although the clarity of whiteboard images is decent, it does not achieve excellent results. In contrast, a smart whiteboard can be used in any environment. The resolution of smart conference tablets on the market can reach up to 4K, providing finer image quality without the need for curtains; the screen remains clear.
Smart whiteboards encompass all the writing functions of electronic whiteboards and more. They allow annotation, zooming, shrinking, moving, copying, adjusting pen thickness and color, and changing the background at any time.
Traditional electronic whiteboards need to be used in conjunction with projectors and computers, making the installation and debugging process relatively complex and the later maintenance costs relatively high.
Smart whiteboards are the best alternative to traditional whiteboards. They are large interactive displays that integrate various functions such as computers, projectors, screens, electronic whiteboards, advertising machines, and sound systems. Smart whiteboards provide powerful solutions for digital learning and business meetings. They have interactive and real-time feedback capabilities, allowing users to write, mark, and operate using a touch screen or laser pen, with the system capturing, saving, and sharing this information in real-time.
In the digital age, smart whiteboards can enhance the efficiency of education and business collaboration. They facilitate more active and participatory learning through engagement in classroom activities. In meeting rooms, smart whiteboards enable real-time collaboration among remote team members, sharing data, charts, and creative mind maps, fostering more efficient decision-making and innovation.
Smart whiteboards usually come with scalability, supporting integration with third-party applications. This means users can connect them with other workflow tools, cloud services, or educational applications, achieving a more comprehensive digital work and learning experience.
In recent years, traditional whiteboards are gradually being replaced by smart whiteboards. As society progresses, old items that cannot meet the needs of modern teaching and business will be replaced by new ones, symbolizing progress in modern society.
How to Choose the Size of a Smart Whiteboard?
The size of the meeting room is closely related to the size of the smart whiteboard you choose. Common smart whiteboard sizes include 55 inches, 65 inches, and 75 inches, generally suitable for meeting rooms of different sizes. Consider the size of the room where you plan to install the smart board. Based on the room size, choose the appropriate size of the smart whiteboard to ensure that all participants can use it effectively.
Conclusion
Traditional whiteboards have become a thing of the past. Smart whiteboards are undoubtedly the best substitute, but gradually more and more different technological products will replace them and be developed to meet different needs.
