Twist - Detailed Review
Communication Tools
Twist - Product Overview
Twist Overview
Twist, developed by Doist, the same company behind the popular productivity app Todoist, is a communication tool that focuses on asynchronous team communication. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:
Primary Function
Twist is designed to facilitate organized and productive team communication without the constant distractions associated with real-time chat tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams. It uses a threads-first approach to keep conversations organized and on topic, making it easier for teams to communicate effectively, especially in remote or distributed work environments.
Target Audience
Twist is aimed at teams and organizations that value asynchronous communication, particularly those working remotely or across different time zones. It is beneficial for teams seeking to reduce the noise and distractions of real-time chat platforms and instead focus on deep work and meaningful interactions.
Key Features
Organization
Twist organizes conversations into threads, ensuring that important information is not buried in unnecessary chatter. Each topic is confined to a single thread, keeping discussions focused and easy to follow.
Clarity
The platform uses channels to centralize team work, which can be organized by topic, project, or client. This helps in gaining visibility on the team’s work and keeping everything in one place.
Focus
Twist helps teams stay focused by using smarter notifications and an inbox system that gathers threads, allowing team members to prioritize their work. It also eliminates the pressure of immediate responses by not showing green dots or typing indicators.
Access and History
The platform provides a historical record of conversations, making it easier to onboard new employees and share context about past decisions.
Communication
Twist allows for one-on-one messages and supports the use of gifs and emojis for casual interactions. It also integrates with various apps, enabling custom automations to streamline workflows.
Automation
Twist supports a wide range of integrations with tools like Asana, Google Sheets, Notion, Todoist, and more, allowing teams to bring all their essential apps into one platform.
Overall, Twist is a tool that prioritizes productivity over constant presence, making it an ideal choice for teams looking to enhance their asynchronous communication and workflow efficiency.
Twist - User Interface and Experience
User Interface of Twist
The user interface of Twist, an asynchronous messaging app, is designed with a strong focus on organization, clarity, and ease of use, making it an effective communication tool for remote teams.
Organization and Structure
Twist organizes conversations into threads and channels, which helps keep discussions on topic and prevents important information from getting buried in chit-chat. Channels can be organized by topic, project, or client, creating a central place for team visibility and access to relevant information.
Interface Layout
The Twist dashboard is laid out in a simple and intuitive manner, with features such as Threads, Messages, Team, Search, and Invite People, all accessible within three panels. This layout ensures that everything is easy to find and use. The main screen provides links to channels and messages, allowing users to view content and start or continue conversations effortlessly.
Ease of Use
The interface is highly intuitive, making it easy for users to get started. Inviting team members is straightforward, with options to invite via link or email and to assign access to specific channels. Users can create threads, send messages, and attach files or images, all within a clean and uncluttered environment.
Notifications and Focus
Twist prioritizes focus and calm by implementing smarter notifications. The app avoids stress-inducing features like typing indicators and “available” status bubbles, allowing team members to work without constant interruptions. The inbox gathers threads in one place, enabling users to prioritize their tasks effectively.
Accessibility and Historical Context
The app provides easy access to past conversations and decisions, which is particularly useful for onboarding new employees and maintaining a historical record of team discussions. This feature ensures that important context is always available and does not get lost over time.
Overall User Experience
The user experience in Twist is characterized by simplicity and clarity. The app is built to support asynchronous communication, which helps teams avoid the distractions associated with real-time chat apps. By focusing on structured channels and threads, Twist helps teams stay focused on their work and maintain a productive environment. The overall feedback from users indicates that Twist is easy to use and highly effective for team communication, especially for remote teams.
Conclusion
In summary, Twist’s user interface is designed to be user-friendly, organized, and free from distractions, making it an excellent tool for teams looking to enhance their productivity and communication efficiency.
Twist - Key Features and Functionality
Twist: A Comprehensive Team Collaboration Tool
Twist is a comprehensive team collaboration tool that focuses on organized, asynchronous communication. Here are the main features and how they operate:
Threaded Conversations
Twist allows users to organize discussions into threads, making it easy to track and reference specific topics. This feature helps keep conversations focused and avoids the chaos often associated with unstructured chat apps. Users can contribute to threads by adding comments, providing feedback, or engaging in discussions about ideas.
Channels
Users can create topic-specific channels, such as marketing, HR, or design, to keep conversations relevant and on-topic. These channels facilitate targeted collaboration among team members and help reduce distractions by keeping discussions organized within their respective channels.
Direct Messaging
For private communication, Twist offers direct messaging. This feature allows team members to communicate privately, which is useful for sensitive or personal discussions that do not need to be shared with the entire team.
Searchable History
Twist includes a robust search function that allows users to easily retrieve past conversations and information. This feature is particularly useful for referencing previous discussions or finding specific information without having to sift through a large volume of messages.
Integrations
Twist integrates with various productivity tools such as Asana, Trello, GitHub, GitLab, and Zapier, among others. These integrations help streamline workflows by automating tasks like posting project updates, support ticket notifications, and daily digests from multiple tools directly into Twist channels.
Mobile and Desktop Apps
Twist offers dedicated mobile and desktop applications, allowing users to access the platform from anywhere. This ensures that team members can stay connected and informed regardless of their location or device.
Notifications and Mentions
Customizable notifications and mentions help team members stay informed about important updates. Users can set up notifications to alert them when they are mentioned in a conversation or when new messages are posted in specific channels.
AI Integration
While Twist itself is not inherently AI-driven, it can be integrated with AI tools to enhance its functionality. For example, using platforms like Goodcall, businesses can integrate AI phone assistants that direct important information to Twist channels, ensuring no critical communication is missed. Additionally, tools like n8n allow for the integration of OpenAI models (such as GPT-3) to build AI-powered workflows that can interact with Twist, automating tasks and providing advanced data processing capabilities.
Automated Workflows
Using APIs and integration platforms like Pipedream, users can automate various workflows. For instance, automated project updates can be triggered when new tasks are added to project management tools, and support ticket notifications can be posted directly to Twist channels. Daily digests can also be automated to compile updates from multiple tools into a single summary posted in Twist.
These features collectively make Twist an effective tool for team communication, ensuring that discussions are organized, focused, and easily accessible.
Twist - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Twist is designed to enhance team communication by organizing conversations into threads, which helps keep important information visible and on topic. Here are some key performance aspects:Organization
Twist uses threads to keep conversations organized, preventing important work communication from being buried under casual chats. This structure helps teams stay focused and ensures that critical information is easily accessible.Focus
The app is built to minimize distractions with smarter notifications, allowing team members to prioritize their work without constant interruptions. The inbox gathers threads in one place, making it easier for users to manage their tasks.Access
Twist facilitates the onboarding of new employees by providing easy access to past context and decisions through its threaded conversations. This feature helps new team members get up to speed quickly.Accuracy and Engagement
Since Twist is not driven by AI, the accuracy of the information shared depends entirely on the users. Here are some points related to engagement and factual accuracy:User-Driven Content
The accuracy of the content shared on Twist is dependent on the users themselves. There is no AI component that could introduce errors or biases, which means the platform relies on the quality of input from team members.Engagement
Twist encourages asynchronous communication, which can help reduce the stress and pressure associated with real-time responses. This approach can lead to more thoughtful and accurate communication, as users have the time to reflect on their responses before sending them.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While Twist is effective in its intended use, there are a few areas to consider:Dependence on User Input
Since Twist does not use AI, it does not have the capability to correct or verify the accuracy of the information shared by users. This means any inaccuracies or misinformation will need to be addressed by the team members themselves.Adoption and Training
For teams that are accustomed to real-time communication tools, there might be a learning curve in adopting an asynchronous communication model. Ensuring that all team members are comfortable with this approach is crucial for its success. In summary, Twist performs well in organizing team communication and reducing distractions, but its accuracy and engagement are entirely dependent on the quality of input from its users. There are no AI-driven limitations or areas for improvement in terms of factual accuracy, as the platform does not rely on AI for its core functions. Twist - Pricing and Plans
The Pricing Structure of Twist
The pricing structure of Twist, an asynchronous messaging app, is straightforward and divided into two main plans: a free plan and a paid plan.
Free Plan
- This plan is available at no cost.
- It includes access to one month of comments and messages.
- You can have up to 500 internal members and unlimited external guests.
- The plan offers up to 5 app integrations.
- Storage is limited to 5GB of file storage.
Unlimited Plan
- This plan is priced at $5 per user per month.
- It provides unlimited searchable history for all your team’s conversations.
- You get unlimited app integrations and storage.
- The plan supports unlimited members and guests.
- It also includes 24/7 priority support, which is not available in the free plan.
Key Features Across Plans
- Communication Organization: Both plans use threads to organize conversations, keeping important information visible and on topic.
- Notifications: Customizable notifications and Do Not Disturb (DND) features are available in both plans to help teams focus.
- Integrations: The free plan limits you to 5 integrations, while the paid plan offers unlimited integrations.
- Storage: The free plan has 5GB of storage, whereas the paid plan provides unlimited storage.
Additional Notes
- Twist does not have built-in voice or video call capabilities but can integrate with other apps like Zapier to add these features.
- The app is available on iOS, Android, MAC, and Windows platforms.
This structure makes Twist a viable option for teams looking for organized and asynchronous communication without the constant distractions of real-time messaging.
Twist - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Other Tools
Twist allows you to connect with numerous tools your team uses, reducing the need for costly context switching. Here are some examples of integrations:Project Management Tools
Twist can integrate with tools like Asana, Trello, and Todoist. For instance, you can set up a workflow that posts updates to a Twist channel whenever a new task is added or updated in these project management tools.Support and Issue Tracking
Integrations with platforms like Zendesk enable automated notifications in Twist channels when new support tickets are received, ensuring the support team can react quickly.Development and Version Control
Twist can aggregate updates from tools such as GitHub for commits and JIRA for issue updates, compiling them into a daily digest posted in Twist.Calendars and Scheduling
Integrations with Google Calendar help in scheduling meetings and posting the day’s agenda and activity summary in Twist.Setting Up Integrations
To integrate Twist with other tools, you typically need to follow a few steps. For example, to integrate Todoist with Twist, you select the team and the specific channel and thread where you want Todoist updates to be posted. Once connected, new messages in Twist will reflect updates from the selected Todoist project, such as task additions, completions, or comments.API and Automation
Twist provides a comprehensive API that allows for custom automations using platforms like Pipedream. This API supports various authorization scopes, including user, workspace, channel, thread, and comment management, enabling you to automate workflows such as posting notifications, syncing tasks, and creating daily digests.Compatibility Across Platforms
Twist is designed to be compatible with a wide range of devices and platforms. Here are some key points:OAuth Authentication
Twist uses OAuth for authentication, which is securely managed by Pipedream. This ensures that your Twist account can be connected and authenticated across different integrations without compromising security.Cross-Platform Support
While specific details on device compatibility are not provided, the nature of Twist as a web-based application suggests it can be accessed from any device with a web browser, including desktops, laptops, and mobile devices.Integration with Various Tools
The ability to integrate with multiple tools indicates that Twist is compatible with a variety of ecosystems, including project management, support, development, and calendar tools. In summary, Twist offers a flexible and integrated communication solution that can be seamlessly connected with various tools and platforms, enhancing team productivity and communication efficiency. Twist - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support and Resources
Twist offers several options to ensure users can effectively utilize the platform.Help Center
Twist has a comprehensive Help Center that provides a wide range of resources. Here, you can find guides, tutorials, and articles that cover various aspects of using the platform, including team administration, thread management, and general usage. The Help Center is user-friendly, allowing you to search for specific topics using keywords or select from standard categories like “Team Admin” or “Using Twist”.Search Function
The Help Center includes a handy search feature that helps you quickly find the information you need. This makes it easier to locate answers to common questions and troubleshoot any issues you might encounter.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Twist also provides a section for frequently asked questions and troubleshooting tips. This section addresses common queries and issues that users may face, offering quick solutions and guidance.Email Support
For more personalized support, Twist offers email support. You can reach out to the support team via email for any inquiries or issues that you cannot resolve through the Help Center resources.Customer Stories and Announcements
While not directly part of the support system, Twist shares customer stories and announcements that can provide insights into how other teams are using the platform effectively. This can be helpful in understanding best practices and how to maximize the use of Twist’s features.Conclusion
Overall, Twist’s support options are designed to be accessible and easy to use, ensuring that users can get the help they need to make the most out of the platform’s asynchronous communication features. Twist - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Twist
Organization and Clarity
Twist excels in keeping conversations organized and on topic through its use of threads. This feature ensures that important information is not buried in unnecessary chatter, making it easier to track and reference discussions.
Asynchronous Communication
Twist is built for asynchronous communication, which reduces the need for real-time meetings and allows teams to focus on deep work. This approach is particularly beneficial for remote teams or teams across different time zones.
Structured Channels
The app allows you to create topic-specific channels, which helps in breaking through team silos and providing a central place for visibility on the team’s work. This structure keeps conversations focused and relevant.
Smart Notifications
Twist features smarter notifications that help teams stay focused on what matters. The inbox gathers threads in one place, enabling team members to prioritize their tasks effectively and reduce anxiety and stress-inducing notifications.
Integrations
Twist integrates with various productivity tools such as Google Drive, GitHub, Trello, Asana, Todoist, and more. This integration capability helps in streamlining workflows and creating a cohesive ecosystem for business operations.
Accessibility
The app is available on multiple platforms, including Mac, Windows, Web, iOS, and Android, making it accessible from anywhere. This flexibility is crucial for teams that work remotely or have members in different locations.
Historical Context
Twist provides easy access to past conversations and decisions, which is helpful for onboarding new employees and sharing context quickly.
Disadvantages of Twist
Limited Editing Tools
Users have reported that Twist has very poor editing tools, making it difficult to format posts or include images inline or as attachments.
Early Release Features
Some users have noted that the software is still in an early release phase, with some features not yet perfect, missing, or not fully implemented. While new features are being released often, there is still room for improvement.
Comparison to Other Tools
Twist lacks some of the power features available in tools like Slack, such as Huddles and more extensive integrations. This can be a drawback for teams accustomed to the more comprehensive feature set of other communication tools.
Integration Limitations
While Twist integrates with several tools, some users feel that the integration options could be more extensive or that it should focus more on integrating with existing systems rather than trying to replace them entirely.
In summary, Twist offers significant advantages in terms of organization, asynchronous communication, and smart notifications, but it also has some limitations, particularly in editing tools and the breadth of its features compared to other communication platforms.
Twist - Comparison with Competitors
Unique Features of Twist
Twist stands out for its focus on asynchronous communication, which helps reduce distractions and promote focused work. Here are some of its unique features:- Threaded Conversations: Twist organizes discussions into threads, making it easy to track and reference conversations.
- Topic-Specific Channels: Channels are created based on specific topics, projects, or clients, keeping conversations relevant and organized.
- Direct Messaging: Private messages allow team members to communicate one-on-one.
- Searchable History: A robust search function enables easy retrieval of past conversations and information.
- Customizable Notifications: Smarter notifications help team members prioritize what matters, reducing anxiety and stress.
Integration Capabilities
Twist integrates seamlessly with various productivity tools such as appear.in, Github, Gitlab, and Zapier, among others. This integration helps streamline workflows and keeps all necessary tools connected.Alternatives and Comparisons
TryEllie
TryEllie is another tool focused on team collaboration, offering AI-powered chat for instant communication and task assignments. Here’s how it compares:- AI-Powered Chat: TryEllie provides instant communication through AI chat, similar to Twist’s threaded conversations, but with a stronger focus on task assignments and reminders.
- Integration with Project Management Tools: TryEllie integrates well with project management tools, which is also a feature of Twist, but TryEllie’s focus is more on task management.
ClickUp
ClickUp is a project management tool that includes AI features. Here’s how it differs:- Project Management Focus: ClickUp is more geared towards project management with AI task suggestions and customizable workflows, whereas Twist is specifically designed for asynchronous team communication.
- AI Task Suggestions: ClickUp offers AI-driven task suggestions, which is not a primary feature of Twist.
Otter.ai
Otter.ai specializes in transcription services, which can complement Twist but serves a different primary function:- Transcription Services: Otter.ai provides real-time transcription and speaker identification, which can be useful for meetings and discussions, but it does not replace the organizational and communication features of Twist.
Fireflies.ai
Fireflies.ai focuses on meeting transcriptions and summaries, which can be integrated with tools like Twist for a more comprehensive communication solution:- Meeting Transcriptions: Fireflies.ai offers meeting transcriptions and summaries, which can be integrated with Twist to enhance the documentation and reference of team discussions.
Conclusion
Twist is unique in its focus on asynchronous communication and threaded conversations, making it an excellent choice for teams looking to reduce distractions and improve collaboration. While alternatives like TryEllie, ClickUp, Otter.ai, and Fireflies.ai offer complementary features, they serve different primary functions. Depending on the specific needs of your team, integrating multiple tools could provide a more comprehensive communication and collaboration ecosystem. Twist - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Twist, along with detailed responses to each:
What is Twist and how does it operate?
Twist is an asynchronous team collaboration tool that organizes conversations into threads and channels to keep discussions focused and relevant. It allows users to create topic-specific channels and engage in threaded conversations, reducing the noise of constant notifications and distractions. This setup helps teams stay organized and focused on their work.
How does Twist organize team conversations?
Twist organizes conversations using threads and channels. Threads keep discussions on topic, ensuring important information is not buried in unnecessary chatter. Channels are created by topic, project, or client, providing a central place for visibility on the team’s work. This structure helps in maintaining clarity and focus within the team.
What are the key features of Twist?
- Threaded Conversations: Organize discussions into threads for easy tracking and reference.
- Channels: Create topic-specific channels to keep conversations focused and relevant.
- Direct Messaging: Communicate privately with team members through direct messages.
- Searchable History: Easily retrieve past conversations and information with a robust search function.
- Integrations: Connect with various productivity tools like Google Drive, GitHub, Trello, Asana, and Zapier.
- Mobile and Desktop Apps: Access Twist from anywhere with dedicated mobile and desktop applications.
- Notifications and Mentions: Stay informed with customizable notifications and mentions.
How does Twist improve productivity?
Twist improves productivity by reducing the need for real-time meetings and minimizing distractions. It achieves this by:
- Organizing conversations into threads and channels, which helps teams stay focused.
- Eliminating the need for back-to-back meetings by using asynchronous threads.
- Avoiding stress-inducing notification dots and typing indicators that can hijack time and attention.
- Providing smarter notifications that allow team members to prioritize what matters to them.
Can Twist integrate with other tools?
Yes, Twist integrates with various productivity tools. It supports integrations with tools like Google Drive, GitHub, Trello, Asana, and Zapier, among others. Additionally, Twist offers an API for custom integrations, allowing businesses to create their own automations and connect with other apps they rely on.
How does Twist handle notifications?
Twist handles notifications in a way that minimizes distractions. It uses smarter notifications that gather threads in one place, allowing team members to easily prioritize what matters to them. There are no “I’m available” status bubbles or typing indicators, which helps protect the team from design tricks that hijack their time and attention.
Is there a mobile and desktop app for Twist?
Yes, Twist has dedicated mobile and desktop applications. This allows users to access Twist from anywhere, ensuring they can stay connected and productive regardless of their location.
How does Twist support new team members?
Twist supports new team members by providing easy access to past context and decisions. The threaded conversations and searchable history make it simple for new employees to quickly onboard and understand previous discussions and decisions.
Can Twist be used for private communications?
Yes, Twist allows for private communications through direct messages. Users can use these messages to discuss sensitive topics, provide feedback, or engage in casual work banter.
What types of businesses can benefit from using Twist?
Twist can benefit a wide range of businesses, particularly those that value asynchronous communication and need to reduce distractions. It is especially beneficial for teams that work remotely or have flexible schedules. Examples include local businesses such as hair salons, barbers, plumbers, contractors, computer repair shops, and more.
Twist - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Twist
Twist is a highly effective communication and collaboration tool that excels in asynchronous messaging and organized discussions. Here’s a breakdown of its key features and who can benefit from using it:Key Features
- Threaded Conversations: Twist organizes discussions into threads based on topics or projects, making it easy to follow and reference important information.
- Channels: Users can create topic-specific channels, such as marketing, HR, or design, to keep conversations focused and relevant.
- Direct Messaging: Team members can communicate privately through direct messages, which is useful for sensitive or one-on-one discussions.
- Searchable History: The platform offers robust search functionality, allowing users to quickly find past conversations, files, or comments.
- Integrations: Twist integrates with various productivity tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, GitHub, GitLab, and Zapier, making it easy to share files and automate workflows.
- Asynchronous Communication: Twist encourages users to respond at their convenience, reducing the need for real-time meetings and helping to balance work and personal commitments.
Benefits
- Reduced Distractions: By organizing conversations into threads and channels, Twist helps teams stay focused and reduces the noise of constant notifications.
- Improved Productivity: The asynchronous nature of Twist allows for more time for deep work, reducing the need for back-to-back meetings and minimizing stress-inducing notifications.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Features like to-do lists, task assignments, and mentions help ensure everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals.
Who Would Benefit Most
Twist is particularly beneficial for teams that value organized and asynchronous communication. Here are some groups that can significantly benefit from using Twist:- Remote Teams: Teams working from different locations can stay connected and organized without the need for constant real-time interactions.
- Project-Based Teams: Teams working on long-term projects can use Twist to keep all relevant information and discussions in one place, making it easier to reference past conversations.
- Local Businesses: Small to medium-sized businesses, such as hair salons, barbers, plumbers, contractors, and other service providers, can use Twist to streamline their communication processes and improve customer service.