Make tech changes fun for end users and off-the-chart adoption will follow

Technology changes are inevitable, but user adoption isn’t. Your IT team  likely struggles to get employees to react to announcements about system upgrades, security enhancements, or new authentication processes, let alone even read them. Email blasts and dry technical memos simply don’t cut it anymore. So, how do you make sure your messages don’t end up in the digital void.

The power of creativity in tech change communications

Standard IT change communications often fall flat because they fail to capture attention or convey why the change matters. The key to breaking through the noise is being novel through storytelling, humor, and other creative means. Two standout examples I’ve seen work are an “obituary,” in this case for Cisco AnyConnect and an “authentication fiesta”—both turned routine updates into engaging narratives that end users actually paid attention to.

The Cisco AnyConnect eulogy: A playful farewell to legacy tech

Instead of a mundane notification about deprecating Cisco AnyConnect, crafting a eulogy-style announcement added a human touch. Framing it as the “passing” of an old but beloved tool tapped into emotions and nostalgia while clearly communicating the need to transition. 

Not only did the message inform, but it entertained, making it more likely that employees would read and remember the point. Imagine getting it in your inbox:

Dear friends and colleagues,

Today we gather to bid farewell to our trusted companion, Cisco AnyConnect, which has been an integral part of our work for many years. While it is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye, we also celebrate the invaluable service it has provided us over the years.

Cisco AnyConnect has been a steadfast and reliable tool in our arsenal, providing us with a secure and efficient way to connect to our network from remote locations. It has helped us maintain seamless communication with our colleagues and clients, regardless of where we are in the world. Without it, many of us would have struggled to stay connected and productive.

It is difficult to express just how much Cisco AnyConnect has meant to us during its time here. It has been a true workhorse, performing its duties without complaint or hesitation, always there when we needed it. We will miss its familiar interface, its reassuring presence, and its unwavering dependability.

As we say goodbye to Cisco AnyConnect, we must also express our gratitude for its many years of service. It has been an essential part of our work lives, and we are forever grateful for the role it has played in helping us achieve our goals.

Rest in peace, dear friend. You will be missed but never forgotten. 

Thank you for everything.

Reasons why it works

• Breaks away from corporate jargon and told a story
• Acknowledges the impact on users while making the transition feel inevitable and even a little fun
• Encourages engagement—users wanted to know what was replacing the old system

Authentication Fiesta: positioning change as a celebration

Cybersecurity changes, particularly those involving authentication—are notoriously difficult to garner any enthusiasm‌ for. Adding extra steps for users is a recipe for frustration and resistance. Instead of a dull announcement, pistoning it as “Authentication Fiesta” makes it feel like an event, complete with festive language, themed visuals, and a sense of celebration. This approach converted what could have been an unwelcome disruption into something users were willing to embrace. Here’s an example: 

Team Superstars -

Exciting news from Cyber Central!  We’re about to unveil the swankiest version of our Zscaler Client connector, and it’s so chic that even your coffee machine is jealous.

Starting Monday, get ready for the ultimate Zscaler dance party, where we’ll be doing the “Weekly Reauthentication Shuffle”! Every seven days, just like your favorite sitcom episode, and when you reboot your computer or decide to wander into a new Wi-Fi wonderland.

Why, you ask? It’s like giving your computer a little spa day, refreshing its digital essence and ensuring it’s as snappy as your grandpa’s dad jokes.

So, mark your calendars, set a reminder, or bribe your pet parrot to squawk at you – every week, we’ll be throwing a reauthentication bash. It’s not just a security thing; it’s a fiesta for your digital life! 

Prepare for the Zscaler-shuffle, where we’ll dance with authentication, pirouette with security, and maybe even throw in a moonwalk for good measure. Your computer will thank you, and who knows, it might even gain a few megabytes of swagger.

Let’s make reauthentication a weekly celebration!   

Reasons why it works

• Shifts the mindset from inconvenience to excitement
• Creates energy and a sense participation and engagement
• Makes a technical topic feel relatable and non-intimidating

Five key takeaways 

1. Use storytelling – People remember narratives more than bullet points. Frame changes as a journey, evolution, or even a farewell
2. Incorporate humor and personality – A lighthearted tone can make tech changes feel less like an edict and more like an opportunity
3. Make it visually appealing – Add graphics, themes, or even short videos to grab attention
4. Frame changes as benefits, not burdens – Focus on what users gain, not just what’s being replaced
5. Create engagement, not just awareness – Consider interactive elements, contests, or feedback loops to keep users involved

Think like a marketer

Getting users to read IT notices isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you say it. By being unexpectedly creative, user-centric‌, and relatable, you can turn routine updates into moments of genuine engagement. Whether it’s an obituary, a fiesta, or other creative spin, the key is making technology changes feel like something worth paying attention to and talking about, rather than just another email to ignore.