low-touch

Definition

Requiring minimal human interaction or manual intervention, usually describing automated systems or self-service processes that replace people with frustrating interfaces.

Example Usage

We're moving to a low-touch customer support model with AI chatbots handling tier-one inquiries.

Origin

Sales and customer service terminology from the 2000s

Fun Fact

Low-touch solutions often result in high-rage customer experiences.

Source: Sales and customer service terminology

Related Terms

Beginner

alliance

A fancy term for 'we're stronger together' that appears in everything from medieval treaties to modern startup partnerships. In business, it's the diplomatic way of saying two companies are collaborating without committing to a merger, acquisition, or actually sharing anything important. Strategic alliances sound impressive in press releases but often dissolve faster than New Year's resolutions.

💼 Corporate / Business

Intermediate

diminution

A strategic reduction in intensity, volume, or significance—whether you're literally making something smaller or figuratively reducing its impact. In music, it's shortening the note values; in life, it's lowering expectations.

💼 Corporate / Business

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dna

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💼 Corporate / Business

Intermediate

pragmatic

The approach favored by people who want to get things done without getting lost in theory or idealism, though in corporate speak it's often code for 'boring but functional.' A pragmatic solution is practical and realistic, which makes it the antithesis of most startup pitch decks. Being pragmatic means choosing Excel over the sexy new tool because, well, Excel actually works.

💼 Corporate / Business

Advanced

Vern Dogging

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💼 Corporate / Business

Advanced

delimitation

The act of drawing boundaries or limits around something, whether it's a research scope, territorial borders, or the precise extent of your responsibilities before they become someone else's problem. In academia and business, it's how you politely tell stakeholders 'this is what we're doing, and everything else is out of scope.' Think of it as the corporate version of building a fence, but with more documentation and fewer property disputes.

💼 Corporate / Business

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