The Myth of the Hype Cycle
That famous bell-shaped graph tracking new technology is often criticized as being scientifically baseless. Despite its popularity in business, studies suggest its predictions are mostly inconsistent.
The Gartner hype cycle promises a predictable path for innovation, from initial excitement to inevitable disillusionment. However, researchers have found that technologies rarely follow this specific pattern in the real world. It functions more as a storytelling tool for consultants than a rigorous analytical framework. It remains a popular business visual simply because it provides a comforting narrative for an unpredictable market.
Source: Gartner hype cycle