How Rabbit Dealt With The Hype Cycle

Key Concepts:

• Hype Cycle: The pattern of initial excitement, followed by disillusionment, and eventual acceptance of a new technology or product.
• Foundry: A company or organization focused on building and developing new technologies or products.
• CES (Consumer Electronics Show): A major annual trade show for the consumer electronics industry.
• Trough of Dispair: The low point in the hype cycle, characterized by disillusionment and negative sentiment.

Navigating the Hype Cycle as a Foundry

The discussion centers on the experience of launching a product (referred to as "the rabbit") and navigating the subsequent hype cycle. The initial launch generated significant attention, aligning with the early stages of the hype cycle where excitement and anticipation are high. The speaker acknowledges the inevitable disillusionment phase, often referred to as the "Trough of Despair," that follows the initial hype.

Initial Launch and Recognition

The speaker recalls the unconventional approach taken at CES. They "hacked CES," indicating a non-traditional or guerilla marketing strategy. Despite not being an official presenter initially, the product received significant recognition, including being named "the best product" on numerous lists. This led to a surge in interest from investors and potential partners, causing the phone to "ring off the hook."

Dealing with the Subsequent Decline in Attention

The conversation addresses the emotional impact of the decline in attention after the initial hype. The speaker, a self-described "veteran" of company building, states that they were not surprised by the hype cycle. They emphasize the importance of focusing on fixing and improving the product during this period, as continued interest, even in the form of criticism, indicates that people still care about the product.

Focus on Product Improvement

The speaker's key takeaway is the importance of focusing on product development and improvement rather than getting caught up in the hype. The speaker told their team to focus on fixing things. The speaker believes that if people are talking about the product, it means they care about it.