The Concierge Diaries: Research by Analogy. Issue 1 (October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: KOPEN, DEREK
• Is Part Of: Conference proceedings. Issue 1 (2014)
• Page Start: 59
• Page End: 59
• Publication Date: 2014-10
• Subjects: Ethnology -- Congresses; 306.3
• DOI: 10.1111/1559-8918.01007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1559-890X

Abstract

Abstract : The Concierge has been a ubiquitous staple of the service industry for centuries. How has this industry stood the test of time, and what can we learn from the analog Concierge that might inform better digital experiences? Is there a 'secret‐sauce' that can be applied to other channels? In today's self‐service world, customer service personnel are being marginalized. As these individuals disappear, brands are increasingly claiming they offer digital Concierges in an attempt to reestablish longed‐for human connections. But can digital Concierges ever equal their human counterparts? Derek Kopen sees an opportunity to learn from the century‐old craft of the hotel Concierge and examine how looking at analogies can inform digital strategy. Through his Concierge research, Derek presents a simple framework that can be used as a foundational model across any human service that digital is trying to enhance.