Capterra Glossary
Hype Cycle
Created by Gartner, Hype Cycle refers to a common five-step pattern in how technological innovations emerge:
Innovation trigger: The new technology generates interest and excitement, even without a working consumer product.
Peak of inflated expectations: After more publicity, some companies share their success stories using the technology.
Trough of disillusionment: Interest wanes in the technology after it fails to deliver on the hype.
Slope of enlightenment: The technology sees renewed interest as it becomes more widely understood, with second- and third-generation products released.
Plateau of productivity: Use of the technology hits the mainstream.
What Small and Midsize Businesses Need to Know About Hype Cycle
Small and midsize businesses often can't afford to make a bad technology investment. SMBs should be aware of the highs and lows of technology Hype Cycles to avoid getting caught up in the frenzy, separating the hype from a technology's true potential.