INFORMS Open Forum

When Modernization Misses the Mark: What’s the Real Cost?

  • 1.  When Modernization Misses the Mark: What’s the Real Cost?

    Posted 09-18-2025 12:30

    The ORMS Today article, Technology Modernization Gone Wrong: The Cost of Ignoring Customer Experience, highlighted the story of a yoga studio that replaced beloved instructors with video screens and lost over 95% of their loyal customers.

    It’s a powerful reminder that modernization should enhance customer experience, not erase what makes it special.

    This isn’t just a yoga story, it’s a business story. We’ve all seen organizations invest in shiny new tech, only to disrupt the very experiences that made them successful.

    Where have you seen a modernization effort go wrong… or right?
    What do you think companies should prioritize when upgrading systems, processes, or spaces?

    Let’s talk about how to balance innovation with the human touch.



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    Garrett Johnston
    Membership Engagement Coordinator
    gjohnston@informs.org
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