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FairCom: AIT develops solutions for fair and inclusive online meetings

14.02.2025
Online meetings have become an integral part of everyday working life - but are they really equally accessible for everyone? Studies show that speaking time is often unevenly distributed and certain groups are less likely to have their say. This is precisely where the FairCom research project comes in.
 

The AIT Center for Technology Experience contributed its expertise in user experience (UX) and diversity in technology development to the project together with Joanneum Research (project coordinator), Netural and ICG - Internal Consulting and developed innovative solutions for fair and inclusive online meetings. The project was funded by the FFG in the FemTech programme.

One of the key results is the FairCom speaking time app, which visualises the share of conversation in meetings. It shows who is speaking how much and provides visual and textual cues to create a balance. In addition, a moderation guide was developed that defines six key factors for fair meetings - including structure, participation and visualisation.

‘Online communication makes many people disappear behind their screens and often creates unconscious barriers. With FairCom, we want to create an awareness of fair meetings, convey a positive feeling and, above all, empower people to take action,’ explains Anke Schneider from AIT.

The results show: Conscious meeting design can help to ensure that all voices are heard. Companies benefit from better team dynamics, greater satisfaction and higher efficiency.

Now it's time to share these findings widely - because inclusive online meetings are the key to successful digital collaboration.

Press release on FairCom from 14/02/2025 (in German):

https://www.ots.at/presseaussendung/OTS_20250214_OTS0027/online-meetings-fair-und-inklusiv-gestalten

Handlungsanleitung für die Moderation von Online-Meetings 

Methodenset faire virtuelle Moderation 

About Anke Schneider 

Anke Schneider is a scientist at the AIT in the Technology Experience department. She studied Computer Visualistics at the University of Koblenz-Landau and completed her doctorate in Computer Science at Chemnitz University of Technology. She was awarded the Dr Maria Schaumayer Scholarship in 2015. She also has a strong business background thanks to her academic work at WU Vienna.

Her focus is on human-centred, sustainable innovations. She uses state-of-the-art methods, including biometric procedures for recording (emotional) reactions, to analyse the impact of technological innovations. The aim is to develop solutions that empower users. She has more than 10 years of experience as a project manager and in the management of European projects (e.g. Interreg).