"Technology can only be transformative when we combine it with empathy.”

Experts from across Datacom are sharing insights in a series of events for Techweek 2023 – and the importance of empathetic design as a foundation for successful tech is high on the agenda.

Lisa Casagranda, Datacom’s Associate Director of Delivery and Operations for the Transformational Engagement team, says empathetic design is critical because it focuses on understanding and addressing the needs of the people who will be using your products, services and digital channels.

“When we co-design with the people who use our products, services and digital channels – be it staff, customers or suppliers – we can factor in their perspectives, pain-points and challenges and think about how to respond,” says Lisa.

“Time and time again we see technology solutions fail because the people using the tech were not considered in the design process. Forrester Research estimates that for every $1 spent on addressing a problem during the design process, it costs $100 to fix the same problem following the product release.”

“Empathetic design helps create products, services and digital solutions that resonate with people. By understanding people’s emotions, motivations, and pain points, we can create experiences that are intuitive, engaging and enjoyable.”

Insights into what good empathetic design looks like will be the focus for the Breakfast panel: Why good tech starts with empathetic design - Techweek with the Datacom team being joined by guest speakers Bill Day and Sue Valentine to talk about the tamariki-focused solutions designed for Te Wao Nui, the Wellington Children’s Hospital. Maria Dunlop of Ngati Toa will also discuss the importance of participation of Māori in tech and how to foster greater participation, while graduate designer Ryan Baek will share the story and design considerations that went into creating Stellify, a space for people grieving the sudden loss of a loved one to deliver messages of things that were left unsaid.

Tech Week 2023 Article Image

Datacom is hosting events in Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Tauranga, with other sessions spanning discussions on the role tech can play in creating more sustainable futures for our businesses and communities, and how to recession-proof your marketing.

Where to find the Datacom team at Techweek 2023

15 – 18 May 2023

Recession-proof your marketing

Join us and Kentico to learn how digital technology can recession-proof your marketing strategies and ensure your future growth. It will be a relaxed and interactive session with nibbles and drinks throughout.

When: Monday 15th May, 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Where: Datacom, level 2/94 Bryce Street, Hamilton

Learn more  Hamilton

When: Tuesday 16th May, 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Where: Datacom, 15-17 Harington Street, Tauranga

Learn more ↗ Tauranga


Breakfast panel: Why good tech starts with empathetic design

Why is empathy so important as a foundational principle for technology projects? Join us to learn how human-centred design can unlock the potential for technology to transform people’s lives.

At this breakfast panel discussion, our speakers will share insights into a project at New Zealand’s newest children’s hospital where tech is being used to create a safe, engaging space for young patients and their families. You’ll also hear about an award-winning student project that’s giving people grieving the sudden loss of a loved one a space to share their unspoken messages.

When: Thursday 18 May, 8:30am – 10:30am
Where: Datacom, 68-86 Jervois Quay, Wellington

Learn more 

 

Expert panel: What has tech got to do with it? Solving big challenges for NZ

Discover how companies can succeed in the rapidly changing digital environment. Learn how upskilling employees and developing tech talent is vital for success. Understand the growth opportunities in the New Zealand market, including cloud computing and cybersecurity. Explore how technology can be used to address social and environmental issues.

When: Thursday 18th May, 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Where: Datacom, 58 Gaunt Street, Auckland

Learn more ↗

 

Business beyond usual: Uncover, unlock, unleash

In addition to Datacom’s hosted events, you can also find the Datacom team, alongside Priority One exploring trends affecting the future of work at an interactive event that looks at Business beyond the usual – helping to answer the question: what happens when BAU isn’t cutting it?

When: Thursday 18 May, 3:00pm – 6:30pm
Where: The Cargo Shed, 5 Drive Crescent, Tauranga

Learn more ↗

 

Marlborough Innovation Day: Good for the world

Datacom is sponsoring Marlborough’s headlining Techweek 2023 event, where Brendan O’Connell, CEO of AgriTechNZ, will discuss economic wellbeing and what this looks like for Marlborough and across Aotearoa, bringing together technology, industry, research, government and more.

When: Wednesday 17th May, 9:00am – 3:30pm
Where: New Zealand Wine Centre, 85 Budge Street, Blenheim

Learn more ↗

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