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Most new technologies follow a similar technology lifecycle. This is similar to a product life cycle, but applies to an entire technology, or a generation of a technology.
There is usually technology hype at the introduction of any new technology, but only after some time has passed can it be judged as mere hype or justified true acclaim.
Because of the logistic curve nature of technology adoption, it is difficult to see at in the early stages whether the hype is excessive.
The two errors commonly committed in the early stages of a technology's development are:
- fitting an exponential curve to the first part of the growth curve, and assuming eternal exponential growth
- fitting a linear curve to the first part of the growth curve, and assuming that takeup of the new technology is disappointing
Similarly, in the later stages, the opposite mistakes can be made relating to the possibilities of technology maturity and market saturation.
Technology adoption typically occurs in an S curve, as modelled in diffusion of innovations theory. This is because customers respond to new products in different ways. Diffusion of innovations theory, pioneered by Everett Rogers, posits that people have different levels of readiness for adopting new innovations and that the characteristics of a product affect overall adoption.
See also
Diffusion, Disruptive technology, Network effects, Tipping point, Product life cycle management, New product development, Product management, diffusion of innovations, Everett Rogers
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