Streamlining Design Team Collaboration

Team collaboration has long been a challenge for any product design team. An upstart called CADchat is set to tackle the problem with the launch of its namesake product, a cloud-based digital workspace designed specifically for product development teams.

CADchat delivers an array of tools that extend the functionality of traditional videoconferencing platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams as well as collaboration tools like Slack and Dropbox. While these communication and file sharing capabilities deliver myriad benefits to design teams, they do so in silos, which can sometimes lead to disjointed design processes and miscommunication among design team collaborators.

For example, with traditional videoconferencing platforms, dialogue and design data are not readily available post-conference call so follow-up work is often not adequately captured. CADchat consolidates all aspects of product development into one seamless digital workspace, retaining all interactions and codifying what happens off-line to better advance design progress, according to CADchat officials.

Communication within CADchat is deeply integrated within the actual work, ensuring that conversations drive development forward without the need for disjointed app-switching. In addition, the platform’s centralized hub stores key design files while enabling interactive collaboration on documents and design.

With its simple graphical interface, CADchat is intended to serve as a virtual conference room that allows meetings to continue when signing off videoconferencing tools. “Product development doesn't end when the meeting does, and neither should the tools we use,” said Graham Bredemeyer, CEO of CADchat. “Our digital workspaces ensure that everything from 3D models to critical feedback remain accessible and interactive long after the calls have ended.”

CADchat also enhances traditional CAD tools like Fusion and SOLIDWORKS by embedding them within a broader context of team collaboration, supporting design creation as well as collective refinement of 3D models.

Key Features of CADchat:

• Immersive meetings: Host audio and video meetings with enhanced tools like 3D avatars and precision cursors.
• Persistent design reviews: Conduct real-time or asynchronous design reviews, allowing teams to collaborate seamlessly.
• Interactive feedback: Utilize pinning comments on designs and 3D models, ensuring clarity and continuity.
• Centralized project management: Keep all project communications, documents, and data in one secure, easily accessible place.
• Robust security: Protect sensitive data with AES-256 encryption, SOC 2 compliance, and regular security assessments.

CADchat's launch comes at a time when industries are seeking more efficient and secure ways to manage complex projects involving numerous stakeholders. “Our goal is to redefine collaboration by maintaining the integrity and continuity of every meeting,” added Bredemeyer. “Think of it as a permanent, virtual conference room, where all of your project-related discussions, decisions, and documents are just a click away.”

CADchat is now available as a free trial here.

Watch this video for a full tutorial on how to use CADchat.