Technology Entrepreneur Advocates for Simpler, Human-Centered Tools in Startup Environments

Jonathan Haber, a Montreal-based technology entrepreneur and founder of Haber Strategies Inc., has raised awareness about the growing need for simpler, more human-centered technology in today's startup and business environments. Drawing from his career building and advising early-stage companies, Haber highlights a recurring issue across the tech industry: tools that are technically advanced but difficult to use. According to a 2024 Gartner report, over 65% of employees feel overwhelmed by the number of digital tools they are expected to use, while McKinsey research shows that nearly 70% of digital initiatives fail due to poor adoption and lack of user alignment.

"Most startups don't need more features," Haber explains. "They need fewer decisions and clearer systems." In a recent interview, Haber shares examples from his own work, including a remote startup team struggling with low morale and declining productivity. Instead of adding new platforms, he simplified workflows and redesigned communication tools based on direct employee feedback. "Clarity changed everything," he says. "Once people understood what mattered and how to work together, engagement came back almost immediately."

Haber also advocates for leadership rooted in listening rather than speed. He notes that early conversations often reveal problems long before data dashboards do. "Technology should reduce stress," he adds. "If it creates more confusion, it's not doing its job." Studies show that employees lose an average of one full workday per week navigating complex systems and unclear processes. As remote and hybrid work continue to rise, the need for intuitive, people-first tools is becoming increasingly urgent.

Haber encourages founders, managers, and professionals to take small, practical steps on their own: regularly ask teams what feels unclear, simplify existing tools before adding new ones, and prioritize understanding over speed. These everyday actions, he notes, can lead to stronger teams and more sustainable outcomes. The implications of this perspective are significant for startup culture, where rapid growth often comes at the expense of usability and employee well-being. By focusing on human-centered design principles, companies can improve productivity, reduce burnout, and create technology that genuinely serves its users rather than complicating their work.