Technology decisions aren’t made only by technologists. More and more, non-technical leaders are asked to choose platforms and shape digital strategies. At the same time, younger generations —the “digital natives”— have grown up with a phone in their hand. For them, it feels natural to expect everything to be available on a small screen.
But here’s the truth: not every app belongs on every device.
Generations and devices
- Gen Z: mobile-first, fluent across screens, expect instant access.
- Millennials: live in notifications, spending 5+ hours a day on smartphones.
- Gen X and Boomers: more cautious, prefer clarity, larger screens, and simplicity.
The pattern is clear: for some, the phone is the natural environment. For others, it’s a limiting tool.
The “mobile-only” trap
The mobile-first culture has pushed many to squeeze complex enterprise apps into small screens. But an ERP or a data analytics system was never designed to fit into a palm.
- Consumer apps aim for mass adoption, prioritizing ease.
- Enterprise apps aim for processes, security, and productivity.
Mixing these worlds leads to poor usability, lower efficiency, and higher error rates.
How non-technical leaders decide
Many leaders without a tech background decide based on personal experience: “I do everything on my phone — why not this too?” But personal usage is not business strategy.
In practice, successful leaders:
- start with people’s needs,
- distinguish consumer vs. enterprise requirements,
- invest in their own tech literacy.
Conclusion
Not everything belongs on a phone. The right decision isn’t about habit or generation — it’s about choosing the right medium for the job. Non-technical leaders who understand this make better calls: balancing usability, productivity, and innovation.
