In my experience, I've used weekly in person meetings in order to make actual progress in a project I'm working and discuss with coworkers. Then I use Slack and some of my free time in order to conduct more research and discuss the next plan of action in the next in person meeting. Other than slack, I've used emails to communicate the next order of business.

In medical device projects, where precision and clarity are paramount, combining formal and informal communication methods often proves most effective. A strategic mix of these methods can address the fast-paced and intricate demands of such projects. For instance, structured weekly team meetings are essential for discussing complex issues like regulatory requirements or design changes, where misunderstandings can lead to significant setbacks. These meetings provide a forum for all team members to voice concerns, share updates, and align on the project's direction and priorities. They ensure everyone is on the same page and can make informed decisions together.

Between these formal meetings, continuous informal communication through tools like instant messaging apps (e.g., Slack) or internal wikis helps maintain project momentum and fosters a collaborative team environment. For example, engineers working on a new device can use Slack to quickly share updates or ask for immediate feedback without waiting for the next scheduled meeting. This rapid exchange of information can be crucial when dealing with time-sensitive issues like troubleshooting prototype problems or finalizing a submission to a regulatory body. By blending structured meetings with flexible, on-the-go communication, teams can navigate the complexities of medical device projects more effectively, ensuring both thoroughness and efficiency.

Maintaining clear communication among team members in a development project is essential, yet choosing the best communication method can be challenging due to differing personalities and communication styles. Effective communication directly impacts project management success. Several factors can hinder effective communication, including the project's nature, the organization's structure, and the challenges faced during development. To promote effective communication, project managers must understand the communication process. One key factor is selecting the right medium for conveying messages. For example, written communication, such as logs or emails, may be preferable over face-to-face discussions when time constraints and management factors make in-person meetings impractical. Additionally, it is crucial to deliver messages thoughtfully, as the wording can significantly influence communication outcomes. For instance, when negative schedule performance arises, it is important to provide constructive feedback that encourages growth both professionally and personally. Incorporating small, daily communication habits can also help ensure that messages and results do not get lost. Finally, identifying the key W questions (Why, what, when, where, who) and the H question (how) can further enhance communication clarity. Overall, fostering a strong organizational culture and structure is vital for effective communication within the organization and with stakeholders.

The most effective form of communication in medical device projects is a combination of structured and transparent communication channels. Clear documentation through written reports and meeting minutes ensures traceability, which is critical for regulatory compliance. Face-to-face or virtual meetings promote real-time collaboration, especially during design reviews or risk assessments. Cross-functional team meetings help align engineering, quality, regulatory, and clinical teams on project goals. Using project management tools like dashboards enhances visibility and helps track progress, deadlines, and issues. Email remains essential for formal communications, especially with external stakeholders and regulatory bodies. However, overreliance on email can lead to miscommunication or delays if not supplemented with direct discussions. Instant messaging platforms like Slack or Teams help facilitate quick updates and decision-making in fast-paced environments. Ultimately, the most effective communication strategy blends timely, accurate, and audience-appropriate methods to ensure alignment and compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

Based on your experience, I have only seen and done three forms of communication: Microsoft Teams messages, email, and verbal dialogue. All three are extremely effective when used correctly and with the right people. I do not believe there are any other forms of communication. Documentation and record keeping is a form of data storing, not communication. Team members, project managers, and upper management can communicate in the three aforementioned ways. Different people prefer different forms of communication. Often times, people prefer Teams messages, as it is a quick way to get the message across. Others prefer email, as it is more "official" and may be better for sending documents. However, some may people may require in person communication if messages and emails go unread or responded to. The engineer needs wisdom and the ability to "read" people in order to effectively communicate.