As I write this column, 2024 is coming to a close, and I am pondering the age-old tradition of making New Year’s resolutions. I don’t normally make any sort of formal list or declarations of resolutions, but in trying to come up with a topic for this month, I thought it might be fun to find a resolution regarding construction technology adoption through each stage of the Gartner Hype Cycle. I am, after all, a Construction Dork.

For anyone unfamiliar, the Garnet Hype Cycle is a model following the progression of emerging technologies through five phases: Innovation/Technology Trigger, Peak of Inflated Expectations, Trough of Disillusionment, Slope of Enlightenment and Plateau of Productivity. The model aims to help companies understand how technology matures over time. 

I happen to really enjoy the fact that it has a part called the Trough of Disillusionment, which I am certain any technologist trying to digitize their company has felt.

1. The Innovation/Technology Trigger

In 2025, I resolve to do my very best to be a technology hipster. I want to be ahead of the trends. I want to be at that leading, bleeding edge. As my former boss once said, the bleeding edge is much different than the cutting edge since it hurts more. However, this is where I want to be; I want a front-row seat to new and exciting innovations and technologies. 

I need a second resolution here, though. I resolve to also do my due diligence and my best to discern between what is truly innovative and useful and what is only a shiny object.

2. The Peak of Inflated Expectations

As we enter this phase, everyone is giddy and bubbly with excitement at what a new tool can do. I will have to make two resolutions here, as well. I resolve to fan those flames of excitement and to lean into those users who are interested in engaging. I will use this energy and these high expectations to push adoption as wide and as deep as I possibly can, but … 

I will also work to identify those expectations that I feel may not pan out. I will need to temper my excitement and set the foundation for what we can realistically expect to leverage the tool for. I do this because I know the next phase is coming.

3. The Trough of Disillusionment

That shiny object you bought has lost its luster. People are calling and emailing you, telling you this piece of crap doesn’t work or causes more problems than it solves. The wave we were riding earlier has crashed into the beach and we’re left with a mess of seaweed and broken dreams. 

When this phase hits, I resolve to be patient, calm and understanding. I need to stay steady and listen to the complaints to tease out if the technology itself is the problem, our process, our people or maybe I implemented a solution for a problem we didn’t have. Maybe I implemented a solution our company wasn’t prepared for. 

This is when the truly useful tools show themselves, so it is time for extra resolve when all seems lost. And when it does, we approach the next phase.

4. The Slope of Enlightenment

The inflated expectations have washed away, and we are left with the technology’s true value being clear (or at least clearer). When we hit this phase, I resolve to breathe life back into that excitement by investing in training and process development to ensure we leverage the tool’s benefits and learn what else may be hiding in plain sight that we can implement for deeper adoption and added value.

5. The Plateau of Productivity

We made it! We have a robust tool integrated into our processes and workflows. We have a bit of technology that our people can rely on every day to do their jobs in a way that allows them to perform better and (hopefully) with less strain and stress. 

For me at this phase, I need to resolve not to turn away and focus solely on the next bit of sparkly new technology. Once we hit this point with an initiative, it’s important that we remember that the technology is not static. It will continue to iterate and evolve and offer new opportunities to start this cycle all over again. 

January is the month of my favorite annual technology conference, MEP Innovations, which is put on by the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association, the National Electrical Contractors Association and the Mechanical Contractors Association of America. Coming out of this conference, I am always all abuzz with Phase 1 feelings. I will have to keep this list of resolutions handy as I ride the wave of the Gartner Hype Cycle. 

I hope you make your own technology resolutions and keep mine in the back of your head while you engage with technology and innovation in 2025!

Travis Voss is SMACNA’s director of innovative technology and fabrication. In this role, he aids member contractors in identifying the critical technological trends within the industry and assists them in remaining at the forefront of these developments. Before joining SMACNA, Voss worked for Helm Mechanical as its leader of innovative technology. He serves his local community as a volunteer firefighter.