A recent survey by Propel Tech, a leading bespoke software development firm, has revealed the most common everyday annoyances that irritate people across the UK, with technology offering potential solutions to many of these frustrations.
The nationwide survey, which collected responses from 1,080 participants, identified the top grievances that affect people at home, at work, and while out and about. Among the most common complaints were forgetfulness, technology failures, and disruptive weather, all of which have the potential to derail daily life. However, the survey also highlighted how modern technology is increasingly offering relief for these everyday irritations.
The Top Everyday Annoyances
At home, forgetfulness was the most common frustration, with 54% of respondents reporting that they frequently entered a room only to forget why they were there. A similar 50% of participants admitted to the irritation of misplacing essential items like keys, wallets, and phones. In the workplace, password management was a major issue, with 46.3% of respondents citing forgotten passwords as a frequent setback.
The survey also revealed frustration with being let down by external factors. At home, missed or lost deliveries topped the list, with 51.9% of people finding it particularly annoying. In the office, slow internet connections (46%) and inconvenient software updates (44.4%) caused considerable frustration, while open-plan office noise was also a common complaint (31.5%). While commuting or travelling, respondents cited public transport delays (37%) and slow, inconsiderate drivers hogging the middle lane (31.5%) as key irritants. Additionally, 35% of participants said falling ill during the festive season was a particular frustration.
Tech Innovations to the Rescue
Fortunately, technology is stepping in to address these everyday challenges, turning frustrations into manageable issues.
One of the most common irritations – forgetting why you walked into a room – can now be tackled with the help of digital assistants such as Alexa and Siri. These smart devices allow users to set instant reminders using voice commands, while apps like Google Keep and Microsoft To Do sync tasks across devices, even offering location-based reminders.
When it comes to deliveries going missing or being left out in the rain, smart doorbells like Ring and Nest now offer live video feeds, enabling homeowners to monitor their packages in real time. Predictive AI and smart lockers are also improving package security, while real-time tracking apps from retailers like Amazon ensure customers know exactly when their deliveries will arrive.
In the workplace, tech solutions have alleviated frustrations around software updates. Many companies have introduced scheduled updates that run during off-hours, while incremental updates that download in the background—such as those on Google Chrome—ensure productivity is maintained.
Noise pollution in open-plan offices, a frustration for many workers, can be minimised with noise-cancelling headphones, like AirPods Pro, or AI-powered apps such as Krisp, which filter out background noise during virtual meetings. Some companies are even investing in acoustic panels and sound systems to create quieter, more productive environments.
Tech is also easing the stress of transport delays. Apps like Google Maps and Citymapper provide real-time traffic data, offering alternative routes to avoid congestion. In addition, ride-sharing services and e-scooters provide additional transportation options when public transport or driving is not an ideal choice.
In Conclusion
As the survey results show, everyday annoyances continue to impact people’s lives, but technology is providing increasingly effective solutions. Whether it’s helping to manage forgetfulness, dealing with noisy workplaces, or avoiding traffic snarls, tech is playing a crucial role in smoothing out the bumps in daily life.
