Fast and Functional

The double-edged sword of convenience, power of saying no, and ubiquity of QR codes

Convenience is addictive. And so is instant gratification.?

The transition from regular e-commerce to quick commerce has been swift and dramatic. Delivery time has been reduced from one week to a few minutes now.

Quick commerce offers unparalleled convenience and is making our lives more comfortable and productive. Automation and instant delivery mean we can spend less time on mundane tasks and more on things that matter. Q-commerce is becoming a way of life. It was not too long ago, that I used to plan essentials for the month and buy them in one shopping trip. And, I remember my father used to plan essentials like Rice, Dal, Chillies, Tamarind etc, and buy them once a year, to save money.?

Today, It is hard to imagine planning and buying groceries once a month or once a year!?

According to RedSeer, India's quick commerce industry is projected to grow by 15X and touch $5.5 Bn by 2025.

Just as we rarely set foot in banks any more thanks to digital payments, the traditional Kirana stores and supermarkets may become relics of the past. And we’d simply be surrounded by dark stores.

The question is: at what cost?

As we are increasingly relying on digital interactions (knowingly and unknowingly) – we are losing the human touch.?

As we look ahead, it's crystal clear that quick commerce is here to stay.?

But perhaps we can find a middle ground –? the environmental impact of countless delivery vehicles zipping around cities, often carrying single items, is significant. Also, driver safety for faster deliveries is an important area of concern.?

That makes me wonder - do we really need groceries in five minutes, or are we sacrificing something greater for the sake of convenience?

Leadership Code ~ Mindful Musings with Vani

Mini Masterclass on The Power of Saying No

“No” is the most challenging word in any language – but does it need to be?

We, as social creatures are hardwired to seek approval and avoid conflict. And hence, we often find it easier to agree than to decline. Otherwise, there’s always a guilt trip!

But learning when and how to say no – is arguably the most important skill for success.

How we say no can significantly impact the quality of our relationships - professional and personal, both.?

It is not about rejection or selfishness. Rather, it's about setting boundaries, managing our energy, and aligning our actions with our goals.

Here’s my life’s code:

• Be Clear and Direct: Avoid ambiguity. Make your no firm but polite. Clarity prevents misunderstandings.

• Prioritise Your Commitments: Concentrate on what truly matters to you. By saying no to less important tasks, you can devote your full energy and attention to what’s most significant.

• Communicate Your Constraints: Be open about your limitations. People will respect your honesty and clear boundaries.

• Don’t Fear Judgement: It’s okay if some people think you’re selfish. Your primary responsibility is to your own commitments and well-being.

Always remember - the power of no is the gateway to a more intentional and purposeful yes.

Pulse of Progress

Tales of Tech, Innovation and more

QR codes are the new cash.?

QR codes or Quick Response codes have become a part of our daily lives, more than we realise.

Back in 1994, a Japanese company called Denso Wave needed a way to track car parts that were faster than the usual barcodes. A man called Masahiro Hara built the "Quick Response" (QR) code to solve this problem.?

Little did he know he'd be changing the way the world operates today!

Unlike barcodes which can hold about 20 characters – QR codes can store over 7,000 characters.

QR codes are made by turning data into a pattern of squares (mostly black and white) using an algorithm. This algorithm ensures the code can still be read even if part of it gets damaged. Simple online tools do the heavy lifting to help us create QR codes easily.

From business cards to billboards, QR codes are taking over the world faster than cat videos. They changed the game significantly for the finance and advertising industries.

They're at shops and street vendors, making payments quick and contactless. Museums use them to give you the lowdown on exhibits. Restaurants ditched paper menus and adopted QR codes during the pandemic. I still prefer the good old menus though! :)

In India, the Raksha QR enhances traveller safety by providing quick access to emergency services and real-time assistance through strategically placed QR codes.

Artists are now incorporating QR codes into their work, adding an interactive layer to traditional art. We will soon be regularly scanning paintings and abstract art to unlock a hidden story or a digital experience. How beautiful!?

QR codes have come a long way – they’ve revolutionised how we interact with the world, making our lives simpler and more connected.

These little squares have become the Swiss Army knives of the digital world!

#LifeLines

#Snackibles

History of the QWERTY keyboard

A newspaper editor and printer, Christopher Latham Sholes developed the QWERTY keyboard to address and prevent typewriter jams.

By spreading out commonly used letter pairs, Sholes reduced the likelihood of typebars clashing.?

Although an alphabetical layout might seem more logical, QWERTY's practical design for early technology has stood the test of time. And now it is ingrained in our writing habits and all across technology!

May the force be with you,

Vani

Share your thoughts and comments with me at [email protected] .

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