Lowcontact

Lowcontact, sometimes written as low-contact, is a term used to describe processes, systems, and behaviors that minimize physical contact between people or between people and objects. It emphasizes touchless interactions and the reduction of close proximity in daily operations and services.

The concept gained prominence during public health responses to infectious diseases and has since extended to various sectors seeking efficiency and resilience through digitization and automation.

Common implementations include contactless payments, mobile check-in, curbside or no-contact delivery, and self-service kiosks. In healthcare and social services, telemedicine, remote monitoring, and home delivery reduce the need for in-person visits.

Advantages commonly cited include reduced transmission risk, faster service, and greater accessibility for some users, as well as potential productivity gains from automation. Limitations include cost of technology, privacy and security considerations, and the risk of excluding individuals with limited digital access.

The scope of lowcontact varies by context and is not a universal solution. Implementations must balance efficiency with user experience, accessibility, and data protection, and should be accompanied by options that retain personal interaction where appropriate.