My ramblings on tech driving utility #2

Tech Utility #2 - TripAdvisor

This is one that just hit my phone unexpectedly whilst in a well known local pizza place/bar that is popular after work (good pizzas and ace local beer).

I arrive at the bar and have been sat down for less than 5 minutes and 'ding' my phone goes off - I've just ordered a beer from the bar. WOW. This is when I get impressed by technology and data, as I got hit with a Push message from TripAdvisor, advising me on what to have on the menu. Smart.

You may not be as fascinated as me, but knowing what it takes to get this exactly right, I was very impressed.

Firstly - it got the location right, which given I'm sat only about 40ft away from another bar next door, critical to get this right. Hit me with the wrong place and I'm instantly thinking technology is stupid.

Second - timing was awesome. It would be REALLY easy to get this wrong. Hit me with a message when I've literally just walked in and I'm busy looking for friends or a table. Hit it to me too late, and I've already ordered. This was spot on as I had found a seat at the bar, ordered a beer and just started to look at the menu. BINGO. That is awesome timing.

Thirdly - it even mentions a relevant menu item within the push notification to get my attention. Again it worked, I clicked through on the push notification and was then absorbed into reviews in TripAdvisor.

Anyway - I think this is pretty damned clever to get this all right. Am I freaked out a little that you know exactly where I am and what I'm doing - no - as again this is technology being smart and delivering me utility. Do I remember opting in for this? No, but again - when it's useful I'm not really bothered.

Great work TripAdvisor, keep it up

Smart Tech Delivering Utility #2