1. The human natural inclination towards visual thinking rather than textual analysis,
2. Our innate ability to enhance our communication through metaphors,
3. The profound impact of storytelling,
4. The necessity of creating a psychologically safe working environment, and
5. the understanding of human memory functions.

The insights gained from this realization have significant ramifications for enhancing communication and working within a business setting. This learning set the foundation for the Visentools research to business project from January 2023 to June 2024. 

The Science Behind EpicMeets: Research-Driven Tools for Better Meetings

The epicMeets tools were designed, developed, and tested during the Visentools Research to Business (R2B) Project at Aalto University in Finland, where co-founder Robin is an associate professor of Strategic Management. This project, funded by Business Finland and Aalto University, brought together a diverse team of over 20 experts, including researchers in visual communication, cognitive neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and strategic management, alongside software developers, 3D designers, and sales and marketing specialists. Over the course of the project, we conducted extensive research, development, and user testing—running more than 40 workshops with groups ranging from 2 to 20 participants. Our focus was on exploring the benefits of visual working practices, refining design principles for Epics, and optimizing the UI/UX of digital facilitation for various types of meetings and workshops.

What We Built: The Core Elements of epicMeets

Drawing from years of research and our project findings, we developed the two key elements of epicMeets: Epics and the virtual coach, Lisa. These tools are grounded in a deep understanding of human communication, cognition, and behavior.  

• Epics are visual storytelling tools that use metaphors and symbols to turn complex ideas into clear, engaging visuals. They help teams articulate their thoughts, share insights, and solve problems—whether straightforward or highly abstract.
• Lisa, our virtual coach, guides teams in real-time, ensuring that meetings stay focused, efficient, and purposeful. With customizable templates, intuitive guidance, and smart support, Lisa helps participants stay engaged and aligned.

Why Visual Communication Matters

Research shows that our brains process visuals much faster than text, with over half of our cortex dedicated to visual processing. This means we naturally absorb, retain, and learn information more effectively when it’s presented visually. By leveraging this, epics help teams quickly align perspectives, clarify abstract concepts, and foster deeper understanding, making meetings more effective and inclusive.

The Combined Impact: Engaging Minds and Elevating Meetings

Using epics together with Lisa creates a powerful synergy. This combination can double engagement, boost joint attention by up to 60%, and enhance memory retention fourfold. It transforms meetings from routine tasks into dynamic, productive sessions where everyone feels heard, understood, and aligned.