Humanising IT: The importance of openness and collaboration

As technology develops and AI begins to reshape our environment, it can sometimes be easy to overlook the human aspect of IT. Human-centric technology focuses on prioritising user experiences and needs when designing and implementing IT solutions. By placing users at the forefront of these developments, organisations can create transformative systems that not only meet user expectations but also drive successful IT rollouts.

Gartner reported that a staggering 75% of all IT projects in the US are deemed unsuccessful by those who initiated them. This serves as compelling evidence of the need for effective change management and addressing scepticism within teams when it comes to implementing technology changes. By exploring human-centric technology and promoting openness and collaboration, successful IT initiatives can be achieved. 

Understanding human-centric technology

Focusing on the human-centric side of technology allows organisations to shift their perspective from purely functional to prioritising the needs and experiences of actual people. As previously mentioned, a human-centric approach focuses on the desires and pain points of the users, creating accessibility and simplicity that best suits them in order to get the greatest outcome. By using this approach, technology can become more than just a tool, it can transform and enhance the usability experience.

In the realm of IT initiatives, being open and collaborative is extremely important. Embracing these principles can bring technology projects to life, making them dynamic and transformative. Involving stakeholders from different departments and levels in the decision-making process allows for a diverse range of perspectives and expertise. This collaborative approach improves decision quality and ensures that solutions align with the organisation’s unique needs and challenges. By fostering an open environment, innovative solutions can be brought to life and transform an organisation’s IT estate for the better. 

A business’s technology is not just built for the IT team, so it is important to consider an open and collaborative approach. Gaining insight into other teams’ needs can be hugely beneficial as it enhances satisfaction in multiple teams, resulting in a positive perspective of IT initiatives and therefore reducing any friction when it comes to adopting new systems. 

Overcoming resistance to change

Implementing IT changes and upgrades can be met with resistance, especially from individuals who don’t see the need for new IT rollouts. Understanding the reasons for this scepticism is crucial for addressing concerns during implementation. One common reason for resistance is fear of the unknown – people who are uncertain about how the changes will affect their daily routines and job roles are likely to resist. The complexity of new technologies can also create apprehension, as individuals may worry about their ability to adapt. 

To address concerns during IT implementation, proactive strategies can help. As previously stated, involving employees and stakeholders in decision-making fosters ownership and empowers them to contribute their insights, making them more open to the idea of change. Offering training and support resources equips individuals with the skills and knowledge to embrace new technologies confidently and effectively.

Creating a culture that embraces change and views IT initiatives as growth opportunities is essential. By fostering an environment that values collaboration, feedback, and experimentation, organisations can pave the way to a future where IT changes are a motivation for growth and advancement, rather than sources of resistance.

At Cloudhouse, we are experts in IT implementation and specialise in providing technology solutions that prioritise human-centric experiences. Our products, Alchemy and Guardian, help businesses enhance their user experience and remodel their technology landscape. Contact us today to explore how we can elevate your IT initiatives.