IT Project Manager’s Perspective: Overuse or brilliant use of technology ?

IT Project Manager’s Perspective: Overuse or brilliant use of technology?


Came across this interesting article Food Delivery to the house next door and here are some of my thoughts

📦 Article Summary: "Customer in Thailand orders food via delivery app, later realises restaurant is opposite house"

A story from MustShareNews highlights a curious and ironic situation in Thailand: food delivery riders are often dispatched to collect meals from restaurants located just across the street—or even within the same complex—as the customer. Despite being in close walking distance, customers still use food delivery apps, opting for convenience over proximity.

🤖 IT Project Manager’s Perspective: “When Technology Eclipses Awareness”

This story illustrates a broader phenomenon: our growing overdependence on technology, where convenience and digital habits can override basic situational awareness. For IT project managers, it's a case study on the unintended consequences of digital systems—and how they must be designed with context, intelligence, and flexibility.

🧩 Core Lessons & Dual Realities:

1. Technology as a Convenience Trap

Issue: Customers default to food apps out of habit—even when the restaurant is mere meters away.
PM Insight: Don’t assume more automation equals better decisions. As PMs, we should design systems that enhance user awareness, not replace it. Smart prompts (“You’re nearby—consider walk-in?”) can reduce friction without creating blind spots.

2. User Detachment from Physical Context

Issue: Digital interfaces strip away geography—users lose the sense of where things really are.
PM Takeaway: Build contextual UX. Incorporate geolocation cues, real-time suggestions, and map overlays that help re-ground the user in their physical world.

3. Logistical & Environmental Inefficiency

Issue: Riders are deployed for ultra-short-distance trips, wasting fuel, time, and packaging.
PM Opportunity: Use geofencing rules and workflow optimizers that flag and manage micro-delivery logic differently—perhaps offering eco-delivery, walk-in rebates, or time-based discounts to shift behavior.

4. But Wait—What If It Does Make Sense?

Issue: Some customers may order via app because of exclusive in-app promotions, bundled discounts, or delivery fee vouchers that make it cheaper than ordering in person.
PM Caution: As IT PMs, we must also avoid overcorrecting. What appears irrational behavior may be data-driven by the user. For example:

  • 20% off + free delivery through an app deal

  • Loyalty points or cashback via the platform

  • Promo codes only valid through digital channels

Design Implication: The system should recognize intent and economic logic. If the user is making a smart financial decision, the system shouldn’t penalize or shame them for it. Instead, highlight transparency (“This deal is app-exclusive”) so they feel in control of their decision.

✅ IT PM Framework for Designing Smarter Experiences

Design PrincipleReal-World Application
Context-Aware SuggestionsAlert users if the vendor is within walking distance—but don’t block the transaction.
Hybrid Decision ModelsUse both location and pricing logic to recommend optimal ordering options.
Environmentally Smart LogicEncourage greener choices via incentives for pickup or bundling nearby orders.
Transparency in UXClearly show promo vs regular prices so users understand trade-offs.
Respect User IntentAvoid overcorrecting behavior that is actually economically rational.

🧠 Final Reflection

As IT project managers, our job isn’t just to digitize—it’s to design systems that balance automation with awareness, and efficiency with user freedom.

This story is a humorous but powerful reminder: when people order food from a restaurant next door, it might be blind habit—or it might be savvy shopping. The real task is to build digital ecosystems that recognize both patterns—and serve them intelligently, responsibly, and transparently.


#pmandre

Location: George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The art of defect tracking - the perception of a good project

Image
Defects are all part of any project. How you manage them will determine how successful the project is perceived to be. You may have many defects but managed well, you can still give your customers / partners a perception that the project is going well. Why do I use the word perception ? Because inherently people's view on how things are going are based on perceptions. This may or may not be anchored on the reality of the situation. Part of the skill of a good project manager is marketing the situation at hand. With good marketing skills, a good project manager can create an illusion that the project is going well while sorting out issues in the background. More on this in later postings. Defects are essentially tasks that were not in the original project plan due to oversight or lack of planning. So instead of tasks to be done earlier in the project, these will need to be inserted into the plan later on in the project life cycle or even in post implementation phase. How ...
Read more

Human cost of overworking and toxic workplace culture

Image
Overworking and Toxic Workplace culture i is costing too many lives.  Life as it is ...  A friend of mine shared a post recently with great sadness, that highlighted the recent passing of 2 people in India, due to workplace stress and toxic workplace practices. Reading more into this topic, unfortunately I don't believe this is an issue that is isolated to India. The misalignment of corporate rhetoric and actual practices is unfortunately a reality. Leaders need to do more to promote better work practices, as well as to also set the example for aligning the expectations. Too many times the junior team members are looking at the seniors and trying to match their working styles which includes working more hours, just because they feel that that is the norm, and they will lose out if they don't do the same. Even when taking medical leave or any personal time out, practices like putting your mobile number in your out of office message, and asking people to contact you, I believe ...
Read more

Project Management Lessons from the Chinese New Year Lion Dance on Stilts

Image
Project Management Lessons from the Chinese New Year Lion Dance on Stilts As a project manager with several years of experience, I often find inspiration for leadership, teamwork, and execution in the most unexpected places. This Chinese New Year, while observing the preparation for a mesmerizing Lion Dance on stilts performance, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between this ancient art form and the essential components of project management. Watching the performers rehearse with precision, dedication, and teamwork reminded me of the critical importance of User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and collaboration during a project deployment. Here are some key takeaways: 1. Preparation Is Everything: The Foundation of Success The Lion Dance on stilts is a breathtaking display of acrobatics and cultural artistry. However, what most spectators don’t see is the extensive preparation behind the scenes. Each performer practices tirelessly, ensuring every move is synchronized, every jump calculated,...
Read more