Tips To Consider Before Adding A New Digital Tool For Your Team

Digital tools were growing in popularity before the pandemic, but these tools experienced a “quantum leap” since the event disrupted many companies’ workflows. While these tools can be beneficial — even keeping certain companies in (or increasing) business, they can also have some downsides to consider.?

According to The Harvard Business Review, having too many tools (or tools that do not fit together) can often cause employees to switch tasks. But, as we are aware, task-switching is cognitively draining, and a study from Cornell University showed that the consequences result in decreased creativity.?

How can we find the balance between the potential efficiency of a new tool and the inefficiency it may cause? The best way is to adopt the mindset of a tech developer — and use some of the tips from HBR.?

Think Like A Tech Designer

One of the most cited failures of startups is that their product created too much “friction” with the end-user. What does this mean? There were too many steps to take so that the software user found it too difficult to learn/adopt — or using the software actually made the task harder.?

As a result, the best software designers create software that requires as few steps as possible. In addition, the tool should fit in with others and be a seamless part of a workflow. Essentially, the tech should reduce the amount of time and effort it takes to do a task.?

This concept of thinking in terms of steps and workflow is essential when considering which tech to adopt and whether your team will find it helpful. Some concrete steps you can take to determine this include evaluation, testing, and being aware of your employees’ “tech literacy.”?

How To Determine If A New Tool Will Be Helpful?

Although a new tool might seem helpful and have great potential at first, implementing the product might create more work for your team. So before adopting a new tool, try these steps with your team.?

• Count the steps. As discussed above, one must consider the steps or “friction” when adding or switching digital tools. Count the number of steps, number of tool switches, and the amount of time it takes to do the task with and without the new tech.?
• Test with a small group. During or after this process, have a small team adopt the technology and use it. Get their report afterward to see if it made their jobs easier or more complicated.?
• Consider “tech literacy.” Especially in the (nearly) post-pandemic age, the tech abilities of employees vary greatly. Many adopted tools before they were ready because they were less confident with technology. As a result, the tool may be great, but your employees might not be ready for it. (And it might take longer for them to adopt.)

With these steps, you can use data and team feedback to make an informed decision regarding the adoption of a new digital tool. However, if you want help with this process, it may also be helpful to reach out to a business consultancy.?

Your Next Steps

Are you trying to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of your teams? We at Boston Business Growth would be happy to help.?

We specialize in strengthening teams, and part of that is appreciating the core processes the team is responsible for, the effectiveness goals and how tools may aid in achieving those goals. If you would like to learn how to strengthen your team, contact us at Boston Business Growth today.?