This research aimed to explore the challenges designers face when using asynchronous collaboration methods across different time zones. A literature review revealed a knowledge gap in comparing synchronous and asynchronous collaboration methods and in comparing design students and professional practice. To fill this gap, a study was conducted with a group of engineering design students and practitioners asking them to conduct two design exercises, one synchronously and one asynchronously. The results highlighted unique challenges faced and that experience of design process had little effect on performance when using unfamiliar design tasks. The study contributes new insights and firsthand recommendations for design teams, educators and software developers.
