whats the most unconventional tool you have used as a project manager

whats the most unconventional tool you have used as a project manager? 

Interview question asked in Infosys. Here is the answer 


While many project managers rely on standard tools like Jira, Trello, or MS Project, unconventional tools can often give you a unique edge — especially in creative, startup, or resource-constrained environments.

Here are a few unconventional tools that project managers (including myself or peers) have used effectively:


1. Miro (for virtual whiteboarding)

Not just for design — it's been used as:

  • A Kanban board
  • Project kickoff space
  • Sprint retrospective wall
  • Stakeholder mapping tool

Why unconventional? It’s not built for PM, but fosters alignment and creativity in a very visual way.


2. WhatsApp or Telegram Groups

Used in remote or distributed teams, especially in:

  • Construction projects
  • NGO projects in developing regions
  • Volunteer tech teams

Why unconventional? It’s not a PM tool at all, but it's fast, familiar, and reliable when team members aren’t tech-savvy.


3. Minecraft or Roblox (for design-thinking workshops)

Used in architecture and urban planning projects to:

  • Visualize layouts
  • Run collaborative simulations with stakeholders

Why unconventional? These are games, not tools — but when used creatively, they can turn planning into an experience.


4. Bullet Journaling (Analog method)

For PMs who love structure but need flexibility.

  • Custom task trackers
  • Daily logs
  • Priority mapping

Why unconventional? It’s purely pen-and-paper — but deeply personal and effective.

 5. Google Forms + Sheets as a PM Dashboard

  • Used in low-budget projects to collect status updates
  • Auto-linked with Google Sheets for basic dashboards

Why unconventional? It replaces expensive PM tools in lean environments.

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