The research team behind Project Visit and the Vis-IT initiative focuses on bringing visual management and lean principles into complex, knowledge-intensive environments. By studying how digital visual planning tools and kanban systems function in real industrial settings, the group develops actionable methods that improve collaboration and transparency. Their work spans from early prototyping and evaluation of software-based planning boards to understanding how teams can better visualize their workflows. This research is especially relevant for organizations navigating difficult, connected projects where progress can be difficult to track. The team's efforts aim to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical, everyday use in enterprise and industry contexts.
A core area of investigation involves the use of electronic kanban and digital planning tools to support daily management and continuous improvement. The team examines how these systems can be adapted to fit different team structures, from automotive and manufacturing to software development and service organizations. By coordinating efforts with industry partners and funding programs, the research generates insights into what makes visual planning effective. The goal is to replace untested assumptions with evidence-based practices that help teams identify bottlenecks, balance workloads, and maintain a clear view of their progress. This work contributes to the broader lean and agile communities.
The team's publications and blog posts share findings on topics such as smartboards, touch interfaces, usability, and the reuse of visual methods across different domains. Through workshops, seminars, and conference presentations, the researchers engage with practitioners who are implementing visual planning in their own organizations. Topics like daily stand-ups, pulse meetings, and slicing work into manageable pieces are explored in depth. The group also looks at how visual tools can support requirements engineering, systems engineering, and complex product development. These contributions help build a shared knowledge base for anyone interested in moving beyond theory into actionable visual management practices.
Collaboration is central to the team's approach, with connections to universities, industry partners, and research programs that finance and support their work. The Vis-IT initiative exemplifies this collaborative spirit, bringing together diverse perspectives to tackle the challenges of digital visual planning. The team values the exchange of ideas across borders, whether through academic partnerships or direct engagement with companies seeking to improve their planning processes. By maintaining an open dialogue with the communities that use these methods, the research remains grounded in real needs. This ongoing cycle of investigation, prototyping, and feedback helps ensure that the tools and practices developed are both practical and impactful.
Project Manager
Knowledge Management Specialist
Group Trucks Technology Advanced Technology and Research
M1:4, SE-405 08 Göteborg, Sweden
Telephone: +46 31 322 7207
E-mail: amer.catic@projectvisit.org
Academic Coordinator
Associate Professor, PPD – Product Development
Chalmers University of Technology
412 96 Göteborg, Sweden
Telephone: +46 (0) 31 772 1378
E-mail: dagb@projectvisit.org