Published 2026-10-12
tag(s): #overblown-minor-annoyances #yell-at-cloud
I was going to write something like "silly", instead of the harsher "stupid", then remembered that this is a personal site and I don't need to hold back. Yay for having your own web space. [1]
At work we use this product, a website with its corresponding phone app, to make desk
reservations, since we use hoteling.
Honestly, the site is pretty good. The best feature is how it can make recurring reservations
on certain weekdays, and if the desk you want is already taken for some dates, you can still
book the others anyway and then find alternatives.
It also has a simple office layout view, so when I wave at someone and realize I forget their
name, I can click around to see it. =P
Last week I noticed a new button, and clicking on it made me irrationally mad: [2]
"Book me a desk next Monday". "Invite a visitor on X day". These are
all basic tasks that are core to the product!!!
I cannot see this in a positive light: You have to admit that you added an AI chatbot just
to check the "we use AI" box. Or that your product is so broken that people would
rather use a chat and natural language than make the three clicks that the tasks should need.
And if it were the latter, it would be much better to spend the time improving the user experience so booking a desk on Monday is easier and faster, rather than adding a chatbot to hide a product shortcoming.
Like I said, the product actually works fine, as far as I am concerned. I kinda like it.
As much as I find the concept of office hoteling grating, that has nothing to do with using
this thing to book desks, and everything to do with my expectation that if you want me in the
office, I expect you to provide a desk to feel I have "a place".
I still come in usually 3 times a week, just because I happen to like being in office. 🤷
And guess what, now when I open the website thingy to book a desk, I see the AI button and
hate it.
My only hope is that venting lets me move on from fixating on the stupid button.
