TECHNOFILE
If the answer to any of those questions is no it is likely the software or equipment will miss the mark , cause frustration and be less productive if ever deployed .
When too much tech is more than enough
Tech expert Tim Stackpool shares the techniques that software developers use to avoid ‘ feature overload ’ and suggests how EAs can identify when there is too much tech in their day
THE EXPERT
Tech expert Tim is the technology writer for Executive PA Media . He can be heard on talk radio in Australia and is a tech presenter who speaks at conferences and trade shows about technology ’ s impact on work and lifestyle .
There is no chance of avoiding technology at work and in this era , with artificial technology progressing at a rapid rate , we are now confronted with even more . While this generates much excitement and future possibilities , there remains the pitfall of being swamped to the point of becoming less efficient by trying to implement ‘ too much tech ’.
Help or hindrance ? In simple terms it is easy to understand how significant investment in technology , without ongoing funding to keep that technology up-todate , can eventually be a hindrance . There is also the danger in the workplace of something called technocomplexity , where you are required to upskill merely because the same job has become complicated due to the introduction of new technology . This can be extremely stressful and can create feelings of inadequacy , despair and apathy amongst users .
To remain relevant , software developers can ask themselves three general questions when creating new applications for the office : w Does this add value ? w Is it practical ? w Is it necessary ?
Feature fatigue Adding too many features to software can convolute the actual use too , and force the user to dig deeper to find what they need . An app to check-in to a flight is convenient but adding car hire , weather at the destination , packing advice , duty free offers and diary reminders easily distracts from the core function . If you find yourself scrolling back and forth through an app trying to find what you need or sighing over the number of clicks needed to achieve what you want , it is a sign of development reaching too far .
The same can be said of desktop applications , such as marketing EDM or CRM tools . Many of these have extensive features , demanded by users across many years and versions . But to avoid feature-overload , developers often break the features into modules . This can make the application more manageable – but it can appear unwieldy if the developer ‘ assumes knowledge ’. This is when new features are added but only appear efficient if the user has extensive knowledge of the software from previous experience .
Time to go cold turkey ? Technology overload can also manifest quietly , leading to anxiety at just the thought of launching a software application or being paralysed by trying to decide which piece of software to choose for a particular job . While you might not be in a position to make changes within your own organisation regarding the number and type of software used , you can consider your own tech detox to better manage the effect of digital overload . Smartphones are pretty much essential in life these days , so going cold turkey is impractical . Instead : w Consider reducing the number of notifications you receive during work time . You will generally find the controls for this under ‘ Settings ’. w If you can , on your workstation , clear the desktop of non-essential items . Leave shortcuts to folders that you access most often , and your favourite Office products but remove everything else . w Find alternatives to occupy yourself if you are waiting for a meeting or appointment . Instead of scrolling through your phone to avoid boredom , reach for a book or a magazine , or doodle with a pencil .
These are really small changes to make but can be considered part of a ‘ digital diet ’ to reduce the sensation of tech overload , particularly during stressful situations that might require hours of pounding the keyboard to get the job done on time . S
30 Executive PA | Summer Issue 2024