Slack provides a quiet zone that eliminates distractions like ad-hoc conversations and sounds that can disrupt focus, allowing people to work differently according to their personal needs and spaces. Slack also enables asynchronous and remote collaboration through features like direct messaging and posting of updates that allow humor and culture to develop within teams. While not the only communication option, Slack's media features provide an effective medium for virtual work that supplements in-person interactions like conferences and collaboration spaces.

1. Slack’s

5. slack is not a watercooler replacement...

6. slack is not IRC...

7. slack is none of these...

8. So Why Do
We Care?

9. Who can relate to this?

10. Creates a Quiet Zone

11. The Dreaded Quiet Zone
Eliminates ad-hoc conversation.
Sound is a distraction.
Everyone works differently.
Personal space is important.
SF Design Week 5x5 June 16, 2014

12. The Dreaded Quiet Zone
Music
Soundproofing
Ad-hoc seating
Not caring
SF Design Week 5x5 June 16, 2014

13. The Dreaded Quiet Zone
Email
ASYNC / VIRTUAL SYNC / PHYSICALADHOC
IM
Spectrum of Media
Collab
Space
Conf
Room
SF Design Week 5x5 June 16, 2014

14. Enter Slack...

16. Rob’s car gets
stolen. Car is
recovered. Rob
posts to Slack.

17. Rob’s car gets
stolen. Car is
recovered. Rob
posts to Slack.

18. Henry quickly
responds.

19. The first attempts.

20. then it piles on.

21. there he is.

25. Like any good
meme, it has
staying power.

30. Slack is not the only option.

31. Nor the only medium...

32. 5x5: DM Slack
The Medium is the Message
Enables humor
Enables remote working
A place for culture
SF Design Week 5x5 June 16, 2014

33. Email IM
Spectrum of Media
Slack Collab
Space
Conf
Room
5x5: DM Slack
ASYNC / VIRTUAL SYNC / PHYSICALADHOC
SF Design Week 5x5 June 16, 2014

34. Non-project related: 17.4% of total
SF Design Week 5x5 June 16, 2014