for W3c validation
Introducing Friday Faves
Each Friday we’re going to publish a collection of readings from members of the team. We’re intending to share a diverse range of topics and expose some of our areas of practice and research. From time to time we may develop a weekly collection that represents a range of perspectives on a single topic – if you have an area of particular interest, let us know and we’ll challenge the team to produce a special compilation.
Business Chemistry in the C-Suite
Anne says: Leadership in the digital workplace has been at the forefront of my current research, so I find this recent report released by Deloitte to be particularly compelling. Based on a study of 661 C-Suite executives, they’ve identified 4 primary Business Chemistry types in the majority of participants:
- Pioneers, who value possibilities and spark creativity, comprise 36 percent
- Drivers, who value challenge and generate momentum, make up 29 percent
- Guardians, who value stability and bring order, represent 18 percent
- Integrators, who value connection and draw teams together, represent 17 percent
The study delves into the different C-Suite roles, the findings and the implications for organisations that could influence the mix of the C-Suite executives. And finally, Deloitte have a series of recommendations for leaders about the different approaches to work – essentially, learn to identify and understand the different styles and consider how this may be effecting others and the overall performance of the organisation.
Less than 10 per cent of Australian companies equipped for digital future
Nat says: This article is interesting in terms of the infused digital workplace. Any business enabling function outside of IT, such as HR and internal comms, are focused predominately on the employee and their experience, yet these teams treat technology as secondary to both the employee experience and the overall business model. HR is still in the stone ages focusing on retention and experience/engagement, yet through the use of technology, the employee experience is moving towards self-empowerment and meaningful work at the individual and network level. Technology might be making HR redundant and they’re too blind to recognise it.
How web chatbots are putting millions of low-level jobs at risk
Joel says: This is a great article I came across earlier this week while looking some more into chatbots. Even though the article title is about the jobs they put at risk the majority of the article contains multiple case studies of businesses running bots and what they have achieved with them. This article was interesting to me as a developer trying to obtain a deeper knowledge of how bots work but would be a great read for anyone interested in this technology as it explains well how these bots run and contains some useful infographics showcasing some very interesting and somewhat scary statistics. If you’re a developer interested in bots and AI technology or just someone interested in the future of online customer service, give this one a read.
AI will make life meaningless, Elon Musk warns
Nat says: AI is getting more traction, and with the increased attention the conversation has been primed on fear. I like Musk’s take on it because his focus is not so much doom and gloom for humanity per se, but rather he mentions that most people derive their sense of meaning in life from their work, and AI has the potential to destroy this meaning by eradicating jobs. Will the result be millions of people having an existential crisis?
Hear a Virtual Reality Expert Explain Why Marketers are So Excited for VR
Emilio says: Having attended AdTech Sydney this week, I had heard a lot of VR chatter from the marketers in the room, well extending into the exhibition area. This was why I chose to share this link published by Social Media Week for our reading list this week. As digital marketers, we know the mind-blowing potentials of VR. We know how it is revolutionising storytelling and content from being a flat, 2D or even 3D piece of content to becoming a complete ‘immersive experience’ – if I may borrow the term used by the VR lady in the video. And the applications are not just in marketing but in many other aspects of our lives – such as medicine and therapies, learning and education, and obviously, entertainment. What struck me the most was what said towards the end of the piece: that cost as the barrier to entry would no longer be an excuse for brands not to have a VR strategy. It went on to say that with emerging technology and gadgets that would soon integrate with phones and mobile devices, VR could be done affordably.
Read: https://socialmediaweek.org/blog/2017/03/vr-expert-explains-marketers/
Kiosk Dispenses Short Stories In French Subway Stations
Nat says: I love the idea of technology as a way to connect, and this is a great example of killing time through creative means. The pseudo vending machines at subway stations in France (one has since been opened in San Fran) prints short stories written by amateur writers. This is probably one of the best tech methods for a new writer wanting to get exposure via unobtrusive and naturalistic means.
Snapchat is the Donald Trump of UI Design
Jakkii says: The author’s analogy pits the usability-is-optional design of Snapchat against the presidential campaign of Donald Trump, arguing both broke the rules of convention in their respective areas (design, politics) to great – but perhaps unexpected – success. Of particular interest is the idea that in each case it is value that overrode the challenges these unconventional approaches would otherwise be expected to face. The value delivered to users (or constituents) was more important to them than any perceived issue with usability, or policy position. Deliver enough value to your user base in product, design or indeed politics, and they may just overlook your inherent flaws. However whether this is a positive thing – let alone something sustainable – is a case that is yet to be proven.
Read: https://www.viget.com/articles/snapchat-is-the-donald-trump-of-ui-design
