Using a simple set of hand signals can improve the experience of online meetings, make groups feel closer to each other and that they are learning and communicating better, finds a new study by UCL researchers. The research team trained students to use a set of signals in seminars, such as waving to take a turn to speak, and raising a hand to show empathy, and found evidence that they improved the experience of video meetings during lockdown. The first findings of the research project are available as a pre-print while the results undergo peer review. Co-lead author Professor Daniel Richardson (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) said: "As we have all moved meetings, classes and social interactions online in the last year, many of us have found that it can't replicate seeing people in person, and some have felt fatigued or isolated. Because you can't make eye contact or pick up on subtle nods, gestures and murmurs of agreement or dissent, it can be hard to know if people are engaged with what you're saying. "While some people are trying to use more technology to improve video conferencing, we wanted to investigate a behavioural method, and see if we could test it as rigorously as possible." After the UK went into lockdown in 2020, Honorary Research Fellow at UCL and business coach Paul Hills drew on his experience using set hand signals in lifeguarding to develop a new way to communicate over video. The Video Meeting Signals system requires a group to use specific signals to show agreement or dissent, or to display concern and care, to congratulate someone, or to say you want to ask a question.
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