Tips and Tricks

This page covers best practices, advanced features, and helpful tips for getting the most out of TermStorm.

Workshop Preparation

Crafting a Good Workshop Description

A clear description helps participants understand what to contribute:

✅ Good:
"We're collecting domain concepts for our new e-commerce platform.
Think about: customers, products, orders, payments, shipping,
and any related business terms. Include both technical and
business concepts."

❌ Too Vague:
"Submit your ideas"

Setting Timer Expectations

Share timing upfront:

• "We'll spend 5 minutes collecting concepts"
• "Then 10 minutes discussing and organizing"
• "Followed by 3 minutes of voting"
• "Total workshop time: about 20 minutes"

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Optimizing Each Stage

Collect Stage Tips

For Facilitators

• Start with a seed: Submit 2-3 example concepts to get started
• Add time generously: It's easier to advance early than rush participants
• Monitor quietly: Let concepts flow without interrupting

For Participants

• Quantity first: Submit everything that comes to mind
• Use notes: Add context that might help others understand
• Don't self-censor: Even "obvious" concepts might be valuable

Discuss Stage Tips

Using Search Effectively

• Search by concept name: customer
• Search by submitter: type a participant's name
• Clear search to see all concepts

Merge Strategy

Common merge scenarios:

Original Concepts	Merged Name	Reasoning
Customer, Client, Buyer	Customer	Use most common term
Order, Purchase order	Order	Simpler unless distinction matters
Ship, Shipping, Delivery	Delivery	Clearer business meaning

When to Delete vs. Merge

• Delete: Completely irrelevant concepts
• Merge: Similar concepts that represent the same thing
• Keep separate: Related but distinct concepts

Vote Stage Tips

Explaining the Voting Scale

Before voting, explain:

• "+1 = Yes, this is essential for our domain"
• "0 = I don't have a strong opinion"
• "-1 = This seems less important or out of scope"

Handling Vote Ties

If many concepts have the same score:

• Use facilitator judgment
• Consider a second round for tied items
• Group by category for further discussion

Copy Stage Tips

Smart Selection

Use bulk selection strategically:

1. Green → Core concepts everyone agrees on
2. Green + Blue → Core + maybe useful
3. Manual → Hand-pick based on discussion

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Browser and Device Tips

Optimal Browser Setup

• Use a modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari)
• Enable JavaScript (required)
• Allow local storage (for persistence)

Mobile Participation

TermStorm works on mobile devices:

• QR code makes joining easy
• Touch interface for voting
• Landscape mode for better viewing

Multi-Monitor Setup (Facilitators)

Consider:

• Screen 1: TermStorm overview
• Screen 2: Shared with participants
• Screen 3: Video call / notes

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Data Management

Local Storage

TermStorm stores data in your browser:

• Workshops persist until browser data is cleared
• Automatic cleanup after 2 weeks
• Export regularly for important workshops

Regular Backups

1. Export workshop state at key moments
2. Save after Collect (ideas captured)
3. Save after Discuss (organized)
4. Save after Copy (with votes)

Recovering Lost Workshops

If you accidentally close your browser:

1. Return to termstorm.com
2. Check Recent Workshops
3. Click to resume your workshop

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Collaboration Features

QR Code Best Practices

For in-person workshops:

• Display on a large screen or projector
• Test scanning before the workshop
• Have the link ready as backup

For hybrid workshops:

• Share both QR code and link
• Remote participants use the link
• In-person participants scan QR

Managing Large Groups

Group Size	Timer Adjustment	Notes
5-10	Default settings	Works well as-is
11-20	+2-3 minutes per stage	More concepts to review
21-50	+5 minutes discuss	Merge actively
50+	Consider breakout rooms	Split into smaller groups

Handling Late Joiners

Late participants can:

• Join during Collect and contribute
• Join during Discuss and add notes
• Join during Vote and vote on existing concepts
• Join during Copy and view results

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Export Optimization

Choosing What to Export

Scenario	Selection Strategy
MVP Definition	Green votes only
Complete Glossary	All concepts
Controversial Topics	Red votes only
Further Discussion	Blue votes only

Export Format Selection

Format	Best For
Termboard JSON	Semantic modeling (primary use)
Workshop JSON	Backup, templates, sharing
CSV	Spreadsheets, reporting

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Advanced Features

Coach Marks

For new facilitators:

• Enable Show Hints on first workshop
• Hints guide you through each stage
• Toggle off once familiar

Keyboard Navigation

In concept details dialog:

• ← / →: Previous/Next concept
• Escape: Close dialog

Rate Limiting

To prevent spam, TermStorm limits:

• Concept submissions: 5 per minute
• Votes: 10 per minute
• Notes: 20 per minute

If you hit a limit, wait briefly and retry.

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Common Scenarios

Running a Series of Workshops

1. Create a template workshop with desired settings
2. Export the workshop state
3. For each new session:
   • Import the template
   • A new workshop is created
   • Previous concepts preserved if desired

Continuing a Workshop Later

1. At the end of day 1:
   • Export workshop state
   • Share the file with participants
2. On day 2:
   • Import the workshop state
   • Continue from where you left off

Workshop for Remote Teams

Best practices:

• Share link via video call chat
• Keep TermStorm on shared screen
• Use video call for discussion
• Mute during voting for focus

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Performance Tips

If Things Slow Down

1. Refresh the page
2. Clear browser cache if needed
3. Try a different browser
4. Check network connection

Large Concept Lists

With 100+ concepts:

1. Use search to filter
2. Merge aggressively
3. Delete off-topic items early
4. Focus on categories

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Accessibility

Keyboard Navigation

• Tab through elements
• Enter to select/activate
• Escape to close dialogs

Screen Readers

• Semantic HTML structure
• Descriptive button labels
• ARIA roles where applicable

Visual Considerations

• High contrast timer colors
• Clear visual indicators
• Large clickable areas