They want to know how it can make their products better, save time by automating tasks, or create smart marketing. But the real winners of the AI race won’t just have the best product — they’ll make it the easiest to get.

Take Domino’s, for example. No one thought a pizza company would become a tech leader. But in the mid-2000s, Domino’s focused on digital tools before it was common. They made a pizza tracker app, allowed orders through voice, smart TVs, smartwatches, Twitter, and even emojis. It wasn’t just about pizza — it was about making ordering simple and fast. And that made a big difference.

Domino’s success with technology came before the AI race even began

If you had invested $1,000 in Domino’s in 2010, it would be worth more today than if you had invested in Amazon, Apple, Tesla, Netflix, or Google. Why? Because Domino’s used tech to solve a simple, real problem: people are hungry and impatient.

Their pizza didn’t get much better, but the experience did. You could track your order, customize it, and get it delivered — all without making a phone call. Convenience became their real product.

In the AI race, ease of use will beat complexity

Companies are now trying to build AI tools that are smarter and faster. But if people find them hard to use, they’ll fail. Customers want to order, customize, and get results quickly — without needing to read a manual.

The next AI winners will be the companies that make access and use simple for everyone — not just the ones with the flashiest features.

Who Could Be the Next Big Name in AI?

Some of the most exciting companies using AI aren’t big tech firms. Instead, they’re everyday brands using AI to make life easier for their customers.

  • Allstate is using AI to help people understand their insurance better, file claims faster, and get clear answers to complicated documents. This kind of quick and helpful service makes a company stand out, especially in stressful situations.

  • Procter & Gamble (P&G) is testing AI that can guess when you’ll need to restock things like diapers or detergent. If it arrives before you even remember to buy it, you’ll likely stay loyal to the brand.

  • Toyota is giving its employees tools powered by AI to help them design ideas—even if they can’t code. This makes it easier and quicker for them to innovate.

  • Walmart is trying out drone deliveries and smart inventory systems to deliver products faster. They also use AI to improve customer service and make it more personal.

  • Canva made design easy for everyone, not just creative professionals. With new AI tools, anyone can create professional designs, presentations, and documents with no training needed.

5 Brands That Could Win Big with One Smart AI Idea

Domino’s changed the game by letting people order and track pizza like Uber tracks rides. When companies borrow ideas from other industries, they can come up with bold, unexpected moves customers love.

Here are some fun ideas for how other brands might do the same with AI:

  • Starbucks could create a smart drink assistant that suggests the perfect coffee for your day—based on how you slept, the weather, your schedule, or mood.

  • Southwest Airlines might let travelers rebook canceled flights instantly through a chatbot, without waiting on hold.

  • CVS could turn pharmacy pickups into a fast, no-contact system. With facial or license plate recognition, your medicine could be ready in a locker when you drive up—no need to tap your phone or wait.

  • Target might use AI to understand your family habits. If a kid’s birthday is coming, it could suggest everything you need—decorations, snacks, balloons—in one ready-to-order cart.

  • Kohl’s or Macy’s could change how fitting rooms work. You’d scan a code, and a 3D version of you would model clothes in real time—walking, sitting, twirling. This would make shopping easier and reduce returns.

These ideas aren’t about spending tons of money. They’re about solving real problems like waiting, forgetting, or making choices.

The Real Secret to Winning with AI

AI is changing how customers interact with products. Business leaders should ask:

  • How do people buy or use our product today?

  • Where do they get stuck or confused?

  • When do they need help?

AI can help by:

  • Explaining things in simple language

  • Creating shopping experiences tailored to each person

  • Predicting when someone needs a refill or repair

  • Making documents or designs instantly, without waiting for another team

The goal is to make things easier and faster—from the moment someone wants something to the moment they get it. That’s how you build loyalty.

How HR and Internal Teams Can Help in the AI Race

HR teams can play an important role in helping companies succeed with AI by doing the following:

  • Teach employees how to use AI tools that save time and make work easier.

  • Help teams think about how people use their services, not just what services they offer.

  • Make sure new employees learn about AI during onboarding so they feel comfortable using these tools.

  • Ask open-ended questions to find out what slows people down inside the company.

A helpful question to ask is:

“If someone had to use our product or service today without speaking to a person, how long would it take them to succeed?”

Curiosity Is the Secret to Winning with AI

The companies that succeed with AI won’t just be the ones with the best technology — they’ll be the ones asking the smartest questions.

For example, Domino’s asked people how they preferred to order pizza. The answers helped them create a new strategy that led to huge growth.

Right now, any company has the chance to do the same. The next big success in AI might not be a tech company — it could be a brand that simply finds a way to remove one more step, one more delay, or one more problem.

That’s where the real opportunity lies.

Published: 11th June 2025

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