Technology Theories

Technology Theories

Technology Theories Jonathan Poland

A technology theory is a broad idea that has significant implications for technology and its effects on society and culture. These theories often consist of patterns, trends, methods, and fundamental principles that can be used to gain a deep understanding of technology. This type of broad understanding is generally more valuable than specific knowledge about technology, such as how to set up a particular device. Examples of useful technology theories include the following.

  • Accelerating Change
  • Accidental Complexity
  • Backward Invention
  • Complexity Cost
  • Cultural Lag
  • Dematerialization
  • Digital Convergence
  • Domestication Of Technology
  • Emergence
  • Existential Risk
  • Feature Fatigue
  • Fourth Industrial Revolution
  • Garbage In Garbage Out
  • Media Convergence
  • Medicalization
  • Moore’s Law
  • Network Effect
  • New Complexity
  • Precautionary Principle
  • Pre-crime
  • Progress Trap
  • Sum of Parts
  • Superintelligence
  • Systems Theory
  • Technological Determinism
  • Technological Singularity
  • Technology Winter
  • Unintended Consequences

NOTE: Technologies change are created and become obsolete regularly and some of the theories on this list may be out of date when you read or in the future.

Creative Destruction Jonathan Poland

Creative Destruction

Creative destruction is a process in which new, innovative ideas and technologies disrupt and replace older, established industries and firms.…

Data Infrastructure Jonathan Poland

Data Infrastructure

Data infrastructure refers to the hardware, software, and network resources that support the collection, storage, processing, and analysis of data.…

Supplier Risk Jonathan Poland

Supplier Risk

Supplier risk refers to the risk that a supplier will not fulfill their commitments to an organization, which could result…

Best Practices Jonathan Poland

Best Practices

Best practices are generally accepted guidelines for achieving a specific goal. In a particular field or industry, best practices are…

Value Pricing Jonathan Poland

Value Pricing

Value pricing is a pricing strategy in which a company sets its prices based on the perceived value that its…

Environmental Challenges Jonathan Poland

Environmental Challenges

Environmental issues are detrimental changes to the Earth’s natural surroundings that negatively impact the current quality of life for individuals…

Customer Convenience Jonathan Poland

Customer Convenience

Customer convenience refers to any aspect of the customer experience that makes it easier and more efficient for them. This…

Risk Contingency Jonathan Poland

Risk Contingency

A risk contingency plan is a course of action that is put in place to mitigate the negative consequences of…

Design to Value Jonathan Poland

Design to Value

Design to value refers to the design requirements and considerations that aim to maximize the value of a product or…

Learn More

Praxeology Jonathan Poland

Praxeology

Praxeology is the study of human action, particularly as it pertains to decision-making and the pursuit of goals. The term…

Best Practices Jonathan Poland

Best Practices

Best practices are generally accepted guidelines for achieving a specific goal. In a particular field or industry, best practices are…

Analysis Paralysis Jonathan Poland

Analysis Paralysis

Analysis paralysis, also known as “paralysis by analysis,” is a phenomenon that occurs when individuals or groups become so focused…

Brand Image Jonathan Poland

Brand Image

Brand image is the overall perception that consumers and the public have of a brand. It is the way that…

Interest Rate Risk Jonathan Poland

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates will negatively impact the value of an investment or…

Product Diffusion Jonathan Poland

Product Diffusion

Product diffusion refers to the process by which a product or service is accepted and adopted by a target market.…

Service Level Objective Jonathan Poland

Service Level Objective

An service level objective (SLO) is a standard used to measure the performance of a business or technology service. These…

Needs Analysis Jonathan Poland

Needs Analysis

Needs analysis is the process of identifying the valuable requirements for a product, service, experience, process, machine, facility, or infrastructure…

How does a boat float? Jonathan Poland

How does a boat float?

A boat floats due to the principle of buoyancy, which is based on Archimedes’ principle. Archimedes’ principle states that an…