[aedron]

No remote working solution comes close to in-person collaboration, in my opinion. I can explain someone something in probably less than half the time in person than over some electronic link-up.

I'm not sure what it is (lack of body language? Lack of shared physical presence and tools?) or if it can be remedied by better technical solutions (it's possible), but it's the reality right now.

[pavel_lishin]

I agree completely. Maybe the tools we're using at my current job are just shitty, or maybe we as a team aren't very good at communicating, or maybe a combination of all three things - but I definitely feel like we accomplish more when we're physically present on most days.

[brightfog]

Yes and no. You can build great working relationships in the office but also remotely. You can have really bad conflicts in the office but also remotely.

I think the difference is that once you got attached to some people from your work that the motivation to see and talk to them is one key driver to work for the company every day. This attachemnt might develop faster in an office environment.

[gourou]

Nothings beats a white board for explaining something

[brightfog]

Yes true but a missing whiteboard often leads to well executed specs and mockups.

[gourou]

What interactive online tool are you using to explain/come up with a solution to an issue?

[brightfog]

There isn't any dedicated interactive online tool for explaining I am aware of.

The most powerful tool for collaboration and communication though is screen-sharing + your mouse cursor + your voice available in any video calling software.