Navigating the S-Curve in Tech

Mobile Plateaus, AI Takes Off. What is the S-Curve?

The tech world is like a rollercoaster, with some areas reaching the peak of excitement and others just starting their climb. Today, we’re gonna ride the S-curve, a fancy way of showing how things grow, to understand what’s happening with mobile and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Mobile: The Established King with a Declining S-Curve

Remember those early days of mobile apps, when everything felt new and exciting? Well, those days are kinda over. The market is now ruled by a few big players, making it tough for newcomers to break in. If you’re building a new mobile app, you’ll need a radical idea or target a completely new category to stand out. It’s less about groundbreaking innovation and more about perfecting existing ideas with a focus on design.

AI: The New Hotness

AI is still in its early stages, which means there’s a lot of room for experimentation and rapid growth. Building AI products can be tricky, but getting users is easier because everything feels new and exciting (think “shiny new toy”). However, that excitement fades quickly, so AI products need to focus on keeping users engaged in the long run. Investors are jumping on the AI bandwagon because of its potential for explosive growth, which is why there are so many new AI startups popping up.

Key Takeaways for Navigating the S-Curve:

• Understanding the S-curve helps you understand how different technologies grow at different stages.
• For mature markets like mobile, focus on innovation and making existing ideas even better.
• For new markets like AI, pay attention to keeping users engaged and building sustainable growth beyond the initial hype.
• Design-focused teams can thrive in mature markets, while AI requires agility and the ability to adapt to the fast-paced environment.

The Future S-Curve: Buckle Up!

The tech world is changing faster than ever, so it’s important to be prepared to ride the S-curve. By understanding how different technologies grow, you can position yourself for success in the ever-evolving world of tech. So, buckle up and get ready for the ride!