Product Overview of Doodle
Doodle is a versatile and user-friendly online scheduling tool designed to simplify the process of coordinating meetings, appointments, and events. Founded in 2007 by ETH Zurich students Michael Näf and Paul Sevinç, Doodle has evolved into a global platform used by individuals, businesses, corporations, and schools in over 200 countries.
What Doodle Does
At its core, Doodle eliminates the hassle of organizing meetings through endless email chains and phone calls. It allows users to create polls, known as “Doodles,” to determine the best time for a group to meet. This approach streamlines the scheduling process, saving time and enhancing productivity.
Key Features and Functionality
Poll Creation and Participation
- Users can create group polls with various options for dates, times, locations, and durations. These polls can include custom questions to gather additional information from participants.
Invitation and Response
- Participants can be invited via email or through links shared on platforms like WhatsApp, Slack, or social media. They can indicate their availability by selecting the options that work best for them.
Time Slot Suggestions
- Once all participants have responded, Doodle automatically suggests the best time slot that works for everyone based on the collected responses.
Calendar Integration
- Doodle integrates seamlessly with various calendar applications such as Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, Yahoo Calendar, and Apple iCal. This integration allows users to schedule events directly from Doodle and sync them with their calendars.
Additional Features
- Automated Reminders and Notifications: Doodle offers automated reminders and notifications to ensure that all participants are informed about upcoming meetings and events.
- Time Zone Detection: The tool detects time zones, making it easier to schedule meetings across different regions.
- Customizable Polls: Users can customize polls to fit their specific needs, including the option for anonymous polls.
- Recurring Events: Doodle supports the scheduling of recurring events, which is particularly useful for regular meetings.
- Integration with Video Conferencing Tools: Doodle integrates with virtual meeting platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, facilitating remote meetings.
Mobile and Global Accessibility
- Doodle has mobile apps for both iOS and Android, allowing users to create, coordinate, and respond to polls on-the-go. The platform is available in more than 30 languages, catering to an international user base.
Advanced Features and Plans
- Doodle operates on a freemium model, offering basic functionalities for free and advanced features through premium plans like Doodle Premium and Doodle Business. These plans include features such as customizable branding, activity reports, single sign-on, and unlimited booking pages.
Benefits
- Ease of Use: Doodle’s intuitive interface makes it accessible to users of all technical skill levels, ensuring seamless navigation and participation.
- Efficiency: By automating the scheduling process, Doodle significantly reduces the time spent on coordinating meetings, thereby enhancing overall productivity.
- Flexibility: The platform’s integration with various tools and its mobile accessibility ensure that users can manage their schedules efficiently from anywhere.
In summary, Doodle is a powerful scheduling tool that simplifies meeting coordination through its user-friendly polls, robust calendar integration, and a range of advanced features. Its global reach, mobile accessibility, and integration with other productivity tools make it an indispensable tool for individuals and organizations alike.