Use the FigJam Timer for Focused Workshops
Attach each timebox to a concrete output, then use the FigJam timer to make the boundary visible. A countdown helps participants coordinate; it cannot rescue an exercise whose question or expected result is unclear.
Before you start: Have an editable FigJam board, a facilitator and a prepared sequence of activities. Check participant access before the meeting and appoint someone to watch the discussion as well as the clock.
Worked example: A retrospective uses five minutes of silent observations, seven minutes to group causes and eight minutes to choose one follow-up. The timeboxes are examples to adapt, not evidence of an optimal duration.
Step-by-step guide
Define the round’s output
Write what participants must produce before the timer starts, such as one observed problem per sticky. Explain the scope and give a concrete example.
Choose an initial timebox
Use the size of the task and participant familiarity to set a reasonable duration. Leave a buffer for reading and accessibility needs instead of treating speed as the objective.
Start the shared timer
Open Timer, voting, and music in the top toolbar, enter minutes and seconds, then press Enter or click the start control. Explain whether the round is silent writing or discussion. Agree who coordinates changes because timer controls cannot be locked to one facilitator.
Handle extensions deliberately
If extra time will resolve the obstacle, use +1 min while the timer runs or is paused. Explain the extension or narrow the task. Time can be added during the countdown, but cannot be reduced; stop the timer to reset it when a different duration is needed.
Transition with a summary
When time ends, state what was produced and what remains unresolved. Move incomplete topics to a visible parking area with an owner instead of letting them consume the next exercise.
Review the agenda afterward
Compare planned and actual time and note which prompts caused confusion. Use that evidence to improve the next workshop rather than reusing the same durations by habit.
Common mistakes
Countdown without instructions
Participants spend the timebox interpreting the task. Show an example before starting.
Silent extensions
Changing the timer without explanation weakens the boundary. State why time is being added.
Speed over inclusion
Fast participants can dominate the output. Allow accessible ways to contribute and separate writing from debate.
Tips
Display the expected output next to the timer’s activity area.
Use a parking area for topics outside the current round.
Reserve time to state the decision after discussion.
Sources and verification
Based on product documentation checked on 2026-10-24. This is a documentation-based guide, not a hands-on benchmark. Features and availability can change.