The coronavirus will be marked as one of the most influential events in human history. Technology has become integral to human society, but it has also been revealed to have glaring gaps and shortcomings in the wake of social distancing and self-isolation measures. COVID-19 will forever change the way people interact, shop and engage with the world. Consumer tech will have to evolve to meet their needs, but first, we must recognize the ways technology has fallen short.

Bandwidth Limits

Streaming services and applications like Instacart have become overwhelmed with the millions of additional customers logging onto their platforms. The sharp increase in demand has resulted in systems shutting down, error messages, and customers feeling stranded in an already isolating time. Although the internet is often considered to be an infinite resource, the coronavirus reveals that bandwidth limits can quickly shrink our worlds down to nothing in an instant. Moving forward, companies will need to consider how their platforms are equipped to handle unexpected and drastic increases in traffic. Doing so will allow them to continually be accessible, and as a result, reliable, during crises.

E-Commerce Limits

Before, only 7% of shoppers used exclusively online shopping. Since coronavirus hit, many more have purchased something on an e-commerce site. In fact, consumers are 30.6% more likely to buy things online this year than they were last year. While COVID-19 has opened many people's eyes to the convenience of online shopping, it has also created a tremendous strain on the e-commerce market. The high demand for cleaning products and health supplies has left many companies without adequate stock to meet consumers' needs. In addition to physical limitations, higher demands have resulted in slower response times and website unresponsiveness.

Branding Pitfalls

Technology may be how consumers access their favorite stores, but branding is the foundation of the connection they form with them. In the wake of COVID-19, many consumers have been put off by the fact companies seem to be using the virus as a marketing gimmick. Discounts and advertisements imploring consumers to act now and receive a discount feel cheap and ignorant of the financial hardships more than 20 million Americans are facing after losing their jobs.

While businesses need revenue to stay afloat, they must also be aware of the impact the coronavirus is having on their consumers' lives. Being authentic and striving to offer support and understanding will be vital to preserving a positive brand reputation going forward.

While the coronavirus pandemic has been devastating to many, it has revealed the importance of foresight in technology. By not getting too comfortable and realizing that the impossible really can happen, technology can be fortified against worst-case scenarios and give consumers greater reassurance in the future.

King Direct is here to help you with your technological needs. View our product catalog to find what you need today!