Gartner Hype Cycle
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
Gartner uses a curve to describe the process that new technologies undergo, from inception, through inflated expectations, to the trough of disillusionment, and then up the slope of enlightenment to the plateau of productivity.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
The Gartner hype cycle is a graphical presentation to represent the maturity, adoption, and social application of specific technologies. The hype cycle's veracity has been largely disputed, with studies pointing to it being inconsistently true at best.
Anchor fast decisions
New technologies go through an emotional cycle from concept to maturity: Innovation Trigger → Peak of Inflated Expectations → Trough of Disillusionment → Slope of Enlightenment → Plateau of Productivity. Market expectations for new technologies are first inflated by hype, then fall into disillusionment due to implementation gaps, and finally mature steadily after pragmatic validation.
MINIMUM ACTION
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gartner_hype_cycleverified
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