Engagement tools: paper vs digital. Which is better?

In recent years digital engagement has really taken off with people experimenting with new technologies that make engagement activities more accessible and sustainable.

As leaders in the digital engagement sector, Articulous is often called upon to help clients who want to be seen as innovative and embrace digital engagement methods.

Our experience has proven that digital methods can be more engaging and make analysing data collected more efficient.

But while digital engagement may seem the best way forward, it’s important to keep in mind that it isn’t always the best option or solution when planning engagement activities and selecting engagement methods and tools.

Why not?

There are many factors to consider when choosing engagement methods and tools including:

  • The objectives of the engagement activities and desired outputs;
  • Willingness and ability of the participants to embrace digital methods; and
  • Accessibility of information.

Some engagement methods such as World Café lend themselves to traditional pen and paper. The risk of using digital tools in a World Café activity is that participants can’t quickly and easily see what previous people have contributed to the discussion.

Find out more about our engagement services here.