Easier-to-use AI-focused firms embarking on a competitive edge in the marketplace
A Fresh Slice of Tech Leadership: Domino's Pizza and the AI Race
Wanna know what makes a brand stand out? Easy, speedy, and smart solutions. But it's not just about having the best product anymore - it's about how simple it is to access and use it. Take Domino's, for instance. They weren't the first in the tech game, but they sure as hell made a name for themselves, simply by making ordering a pizza as seamless as ordering an Uber ride.
Remember when Domino's was just a pizza company? Well, back in the mid-2000s, they decided to focus on digital tools before it was cool. They introduced a pizza tracker app, enabled orders through voice, smart TVs, smartwatches, Twitter, and even emojis. It wasn't about the pizza - it was about the convenience. And guess what? That made all the difference.
If you had invested $1,000 in Domino's in 2010, it would be worth more today than investing in Amazon, Apple, Tesla, Netflix, or Google. Why? Because Domino's used tech to solve a simple, real-life problem: people are hungry and impatient. Sure, their pizza didn't get much better, but the experience did. With Domino's, you could track your order, customize it, and get it delivered - all without picking up the phone. And that's what turned them from just another pizza joint into a tech leader.
The future of the AI race is all about simplicity. Companies are now busy trying to build AI tools that are smarter and faster, but it's not enough. If users find these tools hard to navigate, they'll fail. What customers want is a simple, stress-free ordering and user experience - no manuals required. The winners of this race won't just have the best product; they'll have the easiest one to get.
Let's take a look at some brands that are in the running:
- Allstate: Allstate is using AI to make insurance understandable for everyday folks. Imagine filing claims and getting answers to complicated documents in a jiffy. That's the kind of quick and helpful service that gets people talking.
- Procter & Gamble (P&G): P&G is testing AI that predicts when you'll need to restock things. If they send diapers or detergent before you even realize you're running low, you'll likely stay loyal to the brand.
- Toyota: Toyota is giving its employees the power to design ideas, even if they can't code. This makes innovation faster and more accessible.
- Walmart: Walmart's drone deliveries and smart inventory systems are all about getting products to you as fast as possible. They're also using AI to improve customer service and make it more personal.
- Canva: Canva has made design accessible to everyone, not just creative professionals. With new AI tools, anyone can create professional designs, presentations, and documents with no training required.
So who's the next big name in AI? It could be any brand that figures out a way to remove one more step, one more delay, or one more problem. That's where the real opportunity lies.
Here are some AI ideas that could revolutionize everyday brands:
- Starbucks could introduce a smart drink assistant that suggests the perfect coffee for your day based on factors like how you slept, the weather, your schedule, or mood.
- Southwest Airlines might allow travelers to rebook canceled flights instantly through a chatbot, eliminating the need to wait on hold.
- CVS could offer a no-contact pickup system for prescriptions. With facial or license plate recognition, your medicine could be ready in a locker when you drive up, no phone needed.
- Target could use AI to predict your family's habits. When a kid's birthday is coming, it could suggest everything you need - decorations, snacks, balloons - in one ready-to-order cart.
- Kohl's or Macy's could change how fitting rooms work. By scanning a code, a 3D version of you could model clothes in real time, making shopping easier and reducing returns.
These ideas aren't about breaking the bank. They're about solving real problems, like waiting, forgetting, or making choices. The brand that figures out how to do this best is the one that'll win big.
The secret to winning with AI lies in understanding how people use products and where they get stuck or confused. AI can help by explaining things in simple language, creating personalized shopping experiences, predicting when someone needs a refill or repair, and making documents or designs instantly. The goal is to make things easier and faster - from the moment someone wants something to the moment they get it. That's how you build loyalty.
HR teams can play a crucial role in helping companies succeed with AI. They can teach employees how to use AI tools effectively, help teams think about how people use their services, ensure new employees learn about AI during onboarding, and ask open-ended questions to identify obstacles within the company. The key question to ask is: "If someone had to use our product or service today without speaking to a person, how long would it take them to succeed?"
The companies that win with AI won't just have the best technology - they'll be the ones asking the smartest questions. If Domino's could ask people how they preferred to order pizza back in the day, imagine what other brands could do now. Any company has the chance to do the same. The next big success in AI might just be a brand that figures out a way to remove one more step, one more delay, or one more problem. That's where the real opportunity lies.
Published: 11th June 2025
For more such articles, follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, & Instagram
Also Read:
Kawasaki Unveils Corleo: Hydrogen Robotic Horse for 2050Global Energy Outlook 2025: Trends Reshaping the SectorHow the Russia-Ukraine War Is Also a Fight Over Energy
Enrichment Data:Numerous everyday brands are leveraging AI to enhance customer experiences. Here are some examples:
- Marriott: Marriott has emphasized the importance of balancing AI with a human touch in customer service. They use AI to personalize interactions but also ensure that human agents are available for complex or sensitive issues[3].
- FedEx: Similar to Marriott, FedEx has highlighted the need to combine AI with human customer service. They use AI for efficient routing and tracking but maintain a human element for more personalized support[3].
- Multiple Brands Using AI Chatbots: Many brands are using AI chatbots to provide 24/7 support, answering FAQs, and freeing human agents for complex issues. Examples include using chatbots to greet customers, answer questions, and make personalized product recommendations[5].
- Companies Implementing AI Help Desks: AI help desks are being used across various industries to automate service requests, provide self-service options, and assign tickets to the most appropriate agents based on their expertise[1].
These brands, along with others in sectors like retail and hospitality, are increasingly adopting AI to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.
In the AI race, brands are not just seeking smarter and faster tools but ones that offer a simple and stress-free user experience. Domino's exemplifies this shift by focusing on technology that streamlines ordering, such as voice commands, smartwatch, and Twitter orders, making it effortless for customers (Artificial-Intelligence, Technology).
Brands like Allstate, Procter & Gamble, Toyota, Walmart, and Canva are also making headway in the AI domain, innovating solutions that anticipate customer needs and simplify everyday tasks (Artificial-Intelligence, Business, Economy).
Starbucks, Southwest Airlines, CVS, Target, and Kohl's or Macy's are examples of brands exploring new AI ideas to minimize waiting, forgetting, or decision-making, increasing customer efficiency and satisfaction (Artificial-Intelligence, Technology, Travel).
The key to success with AI lies in understanding customer pain points and removing obstacles through easy-to-navigate tools and personalized experiences. As HR teams play a crucial role in training employees and identifying potential issues, they can significantly impact a company's AI strategy (Artificial-Intelligence, HR, Business). The brand that masterfully addresses these challenges will reap the benefits in the AI race (Artificial-Intelligence, Business, Finance).
