Digital and remote learning has impacted children’s well-being and their social skills. To address this, Lenovo has partnered with a software partner – Smart Learning Solutions – to create targeted features and incorporate specific solutions for online classrooms for students and parents.
Combating Concerns
Adaptability has been the key concern from the time lockdowns and WFH scenarios have been imposed on the general populace. This is especially true for kids who have been put in digital classrooms and made to follow stay-at-home mandates. Technology has replaced human interaction for school kids, increasing parents’ concerns manifold. According to Mintel research, nearly half of Indian consumers with children under 18 in the household say they are most worried about their children’s education.
Lenovo’s IdeaPad is humanised as the ideal ‘smart buddy’ who cares for the child and keeps them focused with features like “Attention Function”, “Break Reminder” and “Posture Reminder”. It is designed to address three main challenges students and parents face: doubts regarding the efficiency of online learning, the need for constant monitoring and excess screen time. The solution is in line with Mintel Trend, ‘Social Isolation’ which states that there is a demand for products and services from brands and organisations to help people learn to disconnect and resolve health-related issues. It affirms that loneliness is coming into focus as people are replacing physical interactions with digital updates. Constant digital connectivity can increase feelings of loneliness, social isolation and depression
A step in a similar direction was taken by Bengaluru‘s popular pub, ‘Social’ which offers co-working spaces to help alleviate work-from-home burnout. On the other hand, pharmacy chain Apotek Hjärtat released a short video to allow viewers to experience a ‘digital hug’ during this time of physical separation. To help beat the anxiety and lack of interest presented by the work from home scenario, a team from West Lake University’s deep learning lab has created a robot that can offer psychological counselling.
WHAT’S NEXT
We aren’t far away from the time when AI and digital interruptions will provide us with a virtual bot for companionship too. With the next few years still proving critical for normalcy to return, companies have to up their game and introduce accessories or devices to enhance the digital experience enjoyed by a consumer. It has to be in sync with the times, where simplifying consumer journeys should be of prime importance. It is critical for brands to add value through features and ergonomics that offer convenience. Overall, brand communications will have to lean towards creating real-life value and solving actual problems.
