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Hey everyone, I've been working on a few international Maker/Mechanics projects lately – think collaborative robotics adn open-source vehicle builds – and the language barrier has definitely been a hurdle. I'm curious what strategies others have found to be effective in these situations.
Beyond the obvious use of translation tools (which, let's be honest, only get you so far with technical jargon and nuanced instructions), I've had some success with visually-rich documentation. For example, creating detailed CAD models with callouts and using exploded views really helped collaborators understand assembly processes, even if they couldn't understand my written explanations perfectly. We also started using a shared online whiteboard where team members could sketch solutions or highlight problematic areas in designs.
What other tips and tricks have you all found helpful when dealing with language differences in technical,hands-on collaborative projects? Are there any especially good software platforms or specific video conferencing settings that facilitate clearer communication? I'm always looking for ways to improve the process and foster better understanding across cultures.