When researching competitors for coLAB, Microsoft Teams stood out as a major competitor in the collaboration space. It’s widely used across industries and integrates deeply with the Microsoft 365 suite, making it a go-to for many organisations.
Strengths
One of Teams’ biggest strengths is its all-in-one approach. Users can chat, host video meetings, share files, and collaborate on documents without leaving the platform. Its tight integration with tools like Word, Excel, and Outlook makes it especially appealing for businesses already in the Microsoft ecosystem. Many users appreciate how this setup streamlines workflows and reduces the need to switch between apps. Features like real-time co-authoring and reliable video conferencing are frequently praised.
Weaknesses
Despite its functionality, Teams often feels overwhelming, especially for new or non-technical users. The interface can be cluttered, and the navigation isn’t always intuitive. Users have reported difficulties locating chats, managing notifications, and understanding the file structure. One reviewer noted, “The interface can be cluttered and overwhelming at times,” highlighting the steep learning curve. Others have mentioned issues like audio delays during meetings and a lack of alerts for upcoming meetings.
UX/UI Design
Microsoft has been working on improving Teams’ user experience. Recent updates include a unified chats and channels interface and the introduction of threaded conversations, aiming to simplify the digital workspace. Microsoft also began creating more engaging and playful 3D illustrations to entice more users. Despite this, some users still find the platform less intuitive compared to competitors like Slack or Zoom.
User Feedback
Feedback is mixed. While many users appreciate the comprehensive feature set and integration capabilities, others express frustration over usability issues. Some users have described the app as “not user-friendly at all,” citing difficulties with logging in and navigating the interface. Others have reported frequent crashes and problems with search functionality.
Takeaways for coLAB
Teams excels in offering a comprehensive suite of tools, but this can come at the cost of user-friendliness. For coLAB, this highlights the importance of simplicity and clarity. Focusing on a clean, intuitive interface tailored specifically for creatives could set coLAB apart. CoLAB can provide a more streamlined and enjoyable user experience by avoiding feature overload and prioritising ease of use.