In the era of COVID-19, touchless technology has become essential to safely reopen businesses. Moreover, touchless interfaces have proved their added value, accelerating their development and deployment. As new technology keeps evolving, we run towards a future where sensory interfaces will become more intuitive and direct. Contactless interfaces, such as ones that use gesture or voice recognition, will enable more active and predictive interactions.
The pandemic has hastened digital transformation globally, and companies have worked hard to deploy a COVID-19 business continuity plan that includes touchless interfaces. Currently, we can see how restaurants and retail stores have implemented innovative technologies to promote a safe environment among their clients. Soon, moving beyond merely protecting customers, touchless interactions will focus on superior user experiences. Therefore, from rebranding to employee engagement, contactless technology will transform the concept of apps and passwords into a hands-free ecosystem of intelligent interfaces.
Touchless interfaces are imminent in your COVID-19 business continuity plan
A recent survey affirms that 59 percent of global consumers will use more contact-less delivery or cashless payments. Therefore, businesses are preparing by looking at innovative solutions. For instance, restaurants are analyzing voice recognition for ordering, hotels are considering voice assistance for guest services, and gesture recognition is getting more attention from banks.
As companies wonder how to succeed in such conditions, we at TEAM International have experienced the importance of taking a human-centered approach when applying touchless technology. Consequently, we recommend the following elements to help your enterprises thrive in an evolving contactless world.
1. Build reliable interfaces
A touchless interface should work in a wide range of contexts and for different users. Before its implementation, ensure that its functionality is reliable and reproducible. Since some touchless interfaces are still in the development phase, it’s crucial that companies build confidence around the usability of coming innovations. As you put human interaction at the heart of any project, also keep in mind that for interfaces to succeed they must be completely reliable.
Failing to build a solid connectivity platform will result in a lack of trust, especially when we talk about personal and sensitive user information that may be exposed. Since not all users are the same, consider how your touchless developments will successfully adapt to different circumstances. Users need certainty that they can rely on the capacity your interfaces offer. While developing and improving innovative solutions, make testing an essential part of your project.
2. Secure confidential data
Touchless tools such as biometrics used for authentication are gaining more acceptability and popularity. We can already see how more hospitals, schools, factories, and office buildings are replacing their authentication systems with touchless technologies. It’s only a matter of time for facial recognition, iris scanners, or voice biometrics to become the norm, and it’s our responsibility to build protected interfaces to store all data. As the adoption of touchless technology increases, these AI interfaces will understand our preferences and lead our interactions.
Although users won’t have to worry about passwords, effective protocols should be in place when iris scans or facial patterns are stolen. Building in two-factor authentication will help create engagement norms to decrease security gaps, adding an extra protective measure. Such processes will gain value and strengthen trust among users.
3. Employ safety measures
When collecting data, it’s vital to apply transparent processes in which users have control over their information. Allowing them to manage how their data is employed will help users better understand how new interfaces can truly become personal. If executed correctly, the latter will provide significant advantages over competitors. With AI innovations, understanding humans has become essential, especially when it comes to developing products tailored to the safety needs of all.
Intricately linked to security standards, privacy has become a subject of much importance for people nowadays. Using strong safety measures is key to ensuring future innovations, especially with AI-based interfaces that can see, listen, and understand us. Over time, these touchless technologies will learn our inclinations and adapt to our privacy terms. Ultimately, the goal for companies is to deliver a safe and superior experience for their users.
4. Offer options
It’s important to understand that not everyone is ready and eager to switch over to touchless interfaces immediately. Although using mobile apps and touchscreens has prepared many users, some are still only just getting used to technology in general. As companies realize that their clients may need some time to engage with touchless interfaces, they must continue utilizing traditional methods users already trust. At the same time, offering options will help users get familiar with voice and gesture identifiers, which at first may be hard or uncomfortable to adopt.
It’s crucial to realize that while changing behavior takes time, employing alternatives helps to retain customers. You also don’t want users to disappear simply because they can’t adjust to touchless innovations. So, give them time and choices, and be available when they feel ready to make the transition. We can assure you that they will appreciate the patience and eventually be part of the unstoppable transformation.
Although we have a long way to go, companies can turn the use of the touchless interface to their advantage by acquiring relevant information and unique insights. These benefits will result in higher employee efficiency and higher customer satisfaction.
Interacting with devices in new ways
Gone are the days when we relied on clicking or typing to communicate. Looking at the future, we might not even need a device to interact. The human-computer relationship is evolving, and the next step is called Zero UI. The term coined by Andy Goodman suggests that our movements, voice, glances, and even thoughts may trigger a particular action from a device. Therefore, screens aren’t going anywhere; actually, we’ll see many more of them. Screens will acquire new forms of interaction, adding gesture and voice commands to hasten synergy and complete tasks and errands quicker. Along with the use of data, Zero UI will enable devices to understand our needs more intimately.
Goals of Zero UI
Ultimately, employing touchless technology comes with specific objectives in mind to facilitate human-computer interaction; here are some of the main goals:
- Enable machines to improve user experience by understanding particular human aspects, from gestures to specific words and behaviors
- Help to decrease the current time spent on computers but still deliver identical results
- Grant users extra time by utilizing biometric tools that don’t require their sight to accomplish tasks: For example, employing voice or gestures allows users to focus on other activities
Undoubtedly, as touchless technology is employed, companies will encounter new challenges, and security will become more relevant. However, there are governments and tech companies like TEAM International working to develop privacy regulations and more robust interfaces. As organizations consider all implications, they will be better prepared to succeed in the touchless future.
Prepare for the future of invisible interfaces
As Zero UI keeps developing, touchscreens and mobile apps will synchronize with touchless interfaces. Nevertheless, with AI in place, advances will be made, and companies should be ready to move forward into a digital world with non-visual modes. Soon, asking Google to book a table at your favorite restaurant will be more common than using a mobile app.
People’s devotion to devices is revealing many possibilities to create and attract users to invisible interfaces. Unfortunately, a study shows that only eight percent of executives are actively supporting AI adoption. Companies need to look ahead and prepare to upgrade their branding and marketing strategies as users will look forward to new sensory experiences. It is time to rethink and look out for partners who can guarantee your success in the touchless technology world.
FAQ
Is your business ready to adapt to touchless technologies?
Although user and employee engagement might not top your priority list, it’s essential to evaluate the level of adoption your business is currently at. At TEAM International, we have helped many organizations understand and wisely employ innovative technologies to secure their future.
How mature is Zero UI today?
In reality, the touchless technology pushing Zero UI is not entirely matured, but it is evolving fast. Now is the time to prepare and collect all possible data that will be greatly beneficial once you adopt Zero UI. Start by looking for the right talent to analyze future options and prepare a tech skeleton in order to be ready when opportunities arise.
Where are touchless interfaces most used currently?
You have probably used them already. For instance, gestural interfaces use cameras and sensors connected to a particular action. Meanwhile, voice-based tools help us communicate with our gadgets directly to grant our requests.
