Technology Needs to be Human

This month as we celebrate Juneteenth and Pride month, we celebrate diversity and our collective history. It is also time for all of us to ask the question – How are we evolving and what role technology will play in the present and future evolution of our diverse society?

This month I dive into a Top Trend for 2022 that I touched upon in my?January newsletter?- Technology will evolve to be more human.

Why is this a top trend for 2022?

AI solutions learning from humans to help them be more productive and inclusive (think AI solutions that help with live transcript in meetings) or helping with medical diagnoses or helping Alzheimer’s patients with their lifestyle are examples where technology has become human to improve the quality of life and make this world a better place.

In 2020, approximately 4.4 million startups are launched globally and arguably every startup has some tech footprint.?If these companies do not focus on the human element of the business, they will not be successful. Just building technology products and services is not enough. Today’s customer is much more vested in the companies than just buying their products. Organizations and consumers hesitate to use technology that helps them but is not “human”.

So, what will organizational leaders need to do address this need of their customers:

• Rethink your business: Customers want to know how you are using technology to build a better world. They want to know how you are building your products. What are your ESG policies? How are you treating your employees who develop these products and services? And how are you investing your profit dollars? Which CSR activities are you supporting and how does it help make this world a better place?
• Relook at your product design:?The innovation in the tech space is disruptive. For decades now, time-to-market has played a role in successes of the business. But every new shiny technology is not ready to be implemented in solutions. Human-centered design is critical. Consider how inclusive your product design is. Are you truly creating a product that will resonate with the audience and solve real-world problems? Is your product design ethical? Have you considered possible ethics and safety implications of using your product? The recent metaverse controversy has brought some of these issues to light.
• Review your marketing strategy:?Marketing plays a key role in building a strong brand. However, in today’s social media driven world, it doesn’t take too long for a wrong message to tarnish the image of a strong brand and effect the stock price. Remember the Peloton ad from Dec 2019? So, as you think about your products and services, think how the products or the underlying technology makes this world a better place and convey that to your customers. Bring a diverse team to review the messaging and story to ensure that it resonates with the diverse audience and is sensitive to the current social, economic, and political environment.
• Measure the impact: Just saying that your tech products are human is not enough. Measuring and demonstrating the impact is important too.

How are you thinking about making tech more human through your products and services??Let’s continue the conversation in the comments.

Now that we have wrapped up the Top Trends for 2022 series, in next month’s newsletter, I will share top skills required for leaders to succeed in 2022 and beyond. Make sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss out on next month’s newsletter.

Resources:

·?????Diversity in Clinical Trials

·?????Breaking Down Language Barriers with Augmented Reality?

·?????Metaverse Fashion Raises Ethical Questions