The aim of this study was to compare behaviours in distributed design teams today to the existing literature to see if previously identified challenges faced by distributed teams have been overcome. Recordings of teams’ online idea sharing sessions were transcribed and split into idea sharing instances (units). A scoring system analysed the effectiveness of each unit. Having a clear structure with formal idea discussion, an assertive leader, and no time limits led to higher scores. Whilst instances of informal speaking and the wide variety of tools used had no link to the unit scores.
