Miro: The Amphibious Aircraft of Collaboration Tools
Let’s talk about Miro—the online collaboration tool that’s made virtual whiteboarding cool (if whiteboarding can ever truly be “cool”). If you’ve ever been stuck trying to engage a group of people staring blankly into their screens during a brainstorming session, Miro might just be your saviour.
I first discovered Miro in a previous role where I led a massive website redevelopment project for a health-care organization. Our agency partners at Cossette, based in Montreal, introduced me to it, specifically a really talented and amazing person named Christina. My team and I were in Vancouver, so Miro became an invaluable tool for bridging the distance and keeping everything (and everyone) on track. We didn’t always see eye to eye—there were definitely moments of head-banging and spirited debates—but Miro made it so much easier to work through our differences and find common ground. Tragically, Christina lost her life in a car accident during the project, but I remember her fondly, especially when I’m working in Miro. Her introduction to this new way of collaborating has left a lasting impression and continues to shape how I approach teamwork today.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve incorporated Miro into my own consulting practice. From facilitating online strategic planning sessions to running focus groups, it’s proven to be a versatile, reliable tool that makes virtual collaboration feel dynamic and productive.
But is it still the best option out there?
A quick tutorial on Miro.
Why Miro Works
First off, Miro is versatile. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of online whiteboarding. Here’s why it stands out:
Templates for Days: Whether you’re running a focus group, designing workflows or brainstorming your next great idea, Miro’s got you covered with a library of templates.
Real-Time Chaos (I Mean, Collaboration): Everyone can add sticky notes, draw shapes and type simultaneously. It’s like a live brainstorming session but without the dry-erase fumes.
Integrations That Actually Work: Miro works well with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams and Google Workspace, so you’re not stuck toggling between 50 tabs.
Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’re the person who still calls IT to help unmute on Zoom, you’ll be fine with Miro.
In my experience, it makes online facilitation feel dynamic and engaging—something that’s no small feat in today’s virtual landscape.
But Wait—Competition Is Coming!
Miro isn’t the only game in town anymore. Canva and Microsoft 365 have decided they want in on the whiteboarding action. And since I already pay for both, they’ve got my attention.
Canva: Canva’s whiteboarding tool takes its super-easy design vibe and slaps it onto collaboration. If you’re already using Canva to make your social media graphics look like a pro did them, this could be a solid choice.
Microsoft 365 Whiteboard: Fully integrated with Teams and Outlook, this is a no-brainer if you’re deep in the Microsoft ecosystem. Think of it as the “corporate approved” version of a whiteboard.
Miro is great, but with Canva and Microsoft throwing their hats into the ring, there’s some stiff competition brewing. I’ll be putting both these tools to the test in some upcoming online facilitation sessions in the new year—stay tuned.
Verdict: Landing (New to the blog? My tomatometer is explained here.)
For now, Miro gets a Landing—and not just any landing. It’s like an amphibious aircraft with its versatility. Just as an amphibious plane can take off and touch down on both water and land, Miro adapts seamlessly to different collaboration needs. Whether you’re facilitating a strategic planning session, managing a complex website redesign or brainstorming remotely with a team split between Vancouver and Montreal, Miro proves it can handle almost anything you throw at it. It’s practical, flexible and reliable—a solid tool for navigating the challenges of modern teamwork.
That said, Canva and Microsoft 365 are gunning for the top spot. With similar tools and shiny integrations, they might give Miro a run for its money. I’ll report back once I’ve tested them out. Until then, Miro’s got my vote.
Need help setting up a killer virtual session?
Whether you’re hosting a virtual workshop, brainstorming your next big idea or trying to keep your team awake during a meeting, having the right tool makes all the difference. Want someone to run it so you can just sit back and sip your coffee? I’ve got you. Let’s chat!
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