Usable Technology: Find The Use-Case and Win

12/4/12 12:21 AM

USABLE TECHNOLOGY: FIND THE USE-CASE AND WIN

Lindsey C. Holmes December 3, 2012 Tweet

One of the most frustrating times in my life has been teaching my parents how to use technology. As if it isnt bad enough that this term technology encompasses pretty much everything in the world, trying to teach it has contributed to high blood pressure, a throbbing in my brain, and a sense of hopelessness on some days Other days, however, I realize why I am in love with technology when that light bulb finally goes on. When technology serves a purpose even to my parents. When technology becomes usable. My mom, a staunch political activist, has mastered Twitter. She excitedly #bloggedforobama during the November elections, sending me a daily recap of her favorite political comedians tweets @lindseycholmes I just emailed you Bill Mahers tweets from today! Yes I figured out how to do this. Please read. He is so funny! cc @BillMaher Shell also scold your favorite politician in a minute. True tweet: What would your mother say sir?! What you are doing is uncontinable Sigh. Explaining Twitter did not work
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Usable Technology: Find The Use-Case and Win

12/4/12 12:21 AM

however. She had to find her use-case. She has mastered Twitter Activism. My dad has the patience of a bunny. He is always on-the-go and even eats standing up at times. Though he will adopt some technologies, he wont sit down long enough to learn them. Ive stopped trying our technology conversations resulting in stomping fits that bring me back to 16. Instead, once as I watched him grow frustrated on hold with his cell phone company, I mentioned that he should try tweeting them. He did, and as a result, he received a brand new cell phone and a credit towards his bill. Thats all it took! If your business is on Twitter, you will receive some form of feedback from Mr. Holmes. Its his duty. His customer service workflow has also given him a framework for productivity. He understands that he should search for solutions that maximize his time. Technology provides these solutions. The best technologies DO something. They prepare people for hurricanes, allow access to education in virtually anything you want to learn, and bridge a gap between generations without ever having to say a word.

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About the Author Lindsey C. Holmes

Lindsey C. Holmes is the CEO/Lead Strategist of LCH Business SM & Tech, a digital marketing firm based in Newark, NJ, with an office also in Washington, DC. Lindsey is the Evernote Small Business Ambassador, a self-taught developer, a proud geek, and mom of a shih-tzu named Banks. She spends her free time converting the masses to understand and apply the technology that will make their lives better. Follow her on Twitter @lindseycholmes.

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