This episode features James Scutt, Principal XM Catalyst at the Qualtrics XM Institute, an expert on consumer channel preferences and AI's role in customer experience. He discusses findings from the 2023 Global Consumer Study, revealing that while digital channels grow, many still prefer human interactions for certain tasks. Scutt emphasizes the need for aligning AI with clear business objectives to enhance both customer and employee experiences, balancing technology with human touch for optimal engagement.
Consumers still favor human interactions for certain tasks, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach between digital and personal channels.
Integrating AI tools can empower frontline employees to enhance customer interactions while maintaining effective communication for critical support needs.
Deep dives
Consumer Channel Preferences
Recent studies reveal that while digital interactions have been heavily promoted, many consumers still prefer human channels for certain tasks. For instance, a significant percentage of people reported a desire to meet in person or speak on the phone when engaging with companies, highlighting the importance of interpersonal communication. This preference varies across different demographics, with older consumers showing even higher rates of favor for human interaction. Such insights urge customer experience professionals to recognize that a balanced approach between digital and human channels is essential in meeting consumer expectations.
Critical Touchpoints in Customer Journeys
Understanding when consumers transition from digital to human support is crucial for enhancing customer experience. Poor experiences at critical touchpoints often prompt customers to seek immediate human assistance instead of relying on automated systems. For example, when an online order status changes unexpectedly, customers are likely to reach out for direct support to gain clarity. Thus, mapping these critical points and analyzing customer journey data can help organizations prepare for when human interaction may be necessary.
Role of AI in Customer Experience
AI is increasingly recognized for its potential to assist frontline employees in enhancing customer interactions rather than solely serving consumers directly. By equipping employees with AI tools, organizations can improve efficiency, allowing staff to resolve customer issues more quickly and effectively. Moreover, studies indicate that employees are generally more comfortable using AI for certain tasks, but there is caution regarding high-stakes decisions. For CX professionals, this demonstrates that integrating AI should focus on augmenting human capabilities while maintaining a clear line of communication between employees and customers.
Aligning CX Goals with Business Outcomes
As emerging technologies shape the landscape of customer experience, organizations have the opportunity to reassess their CX program goals for better alignment with broader business objectives. CX teams must ensure that their strategies are directly connected to delivering measurable business results, thus gaining management support. Leveraging technologies like AI can facilitate this process by automating mundane tasks and freeing up resources to focus on enhancing customer interactions. The key takeaway is to prioritize practical implementations of technology that drive significant value for both customers and the organization.
As consumers we’ve all interacted in different ways with companies. Sometimes an automated system, online chat, an app on our phones, or even a live human being. But as customer experience professionals, how do we know which channel is the best option and the most preferred by consumers? And how will AI fit into all this? Host Sara Walker welcomes James Scutt, a principle XM strategist at the Qualtrics XM Institute for a look at what their 2023 Global Consumer Study reveals about consumer channel preferences.