When we started designing Tula in late 2018 we had just finished delivering a pop up university we created to find solutions to reduce plastic waste. Originally we had planned to gather 50 people from our own country however the internet had other plans for us as we received applications from all over the world. Not wanting to turn people away we invited them to join us virtually and the rest is history as they say.
Given that we were experienced facilitators, Ux designers and remote working pioneers we thought how hard could it be to facilitate a blend of physical guests with virtual ones. Well, It turns out very. It was clunky and stressful and we quickly reached the limits of the platforms we were using which let's be honest are only a phone call where you can see each other or a digital version of a boring lecture theatre. This got us thinking.
As facilitators and hosts, we wanted so much more control within our virtual space so we started asking what that would look and feel like. Soon after we were accepted on to a Design Thinking Accelerator with the V&A where we built and tested the 1st of what would become 5 prototypes on our journey to helping the world gather.
How is Tula different?
People sometimes compare us to the likes of Zoom, Skype or even better Whereby (we like them) as this is most peoples experience of a virtual meeting. Up until now this experience can be best described as a group of people in one digital room waiting for their turn to interrupt each other. They are really just not set up for the type of deeply connected group facilitation we are use to. That's why we have built Tula.
Tula far exceeds this static kind of virtual experience by making it simple to create a personal and immersive virtual gatherings that prioritise conversation, connection and collaboration. With the level of facilitative control available to you the host, Tula becomes an automated extension of your delivery. Think of us as your automated co-host helping you to deliver an immersive workshop, meeting or conference.
Our dashboard enables you to pre-programme elements of your gathering by using our session builder. Now you can intuitively break groups out and call them back without disrupting the flow. Your guests can move between groups like they would at an event. And remember that flip chart page you beautifully crafted and all this lovely sticky notes that end up in the recycling? we'll they've now become a collaborative board that you can customise with a whole host of features such as voting, sticky notes and more.
All of this control sits over a reliable video and audio experience that learns your facilitation style the more you use it so you can connect and care for your guests' whether there's 10 or 200 of them.
Our Vision
A big shift is taking place in regards to how our species behaves on planet earth. How we work, live and learn are all changing because they are unable to stay the same but also because deep down we long for a deeper level of connectedness and meaning to life itself. At Tula, we aspire to aid this transition so we can all work, live and learn in a way that people and the planet can thrive.
"By 2024, remote work and changing workforce demographics will impact enterprise meetings so that only 25% will take place in person, down from 60% today."
2019 Gartner Meeting Report
As a social software company, we want to be known for our mission to create 195 global gatherings to solve and care for climate change. The event that is the internet is very precious to us and we want to use it as a force for good. As a remote team, we live our values and our intentions are focused on making Tula the top digital public space for gentle gatherings.
That's a wee bit of our story however we would love to hear yours. Feel free to reach out to us if you would like to help us bring Tula to the world or if you would like to get early access.
Talk soon friend,
Adam Nosal - Founder and CPO at Tula.world
