What is Technology Creep?

Technology creep is a phenomenon that occurs when the scope of a project expands beyond its original goals due to the introduction of new technologies. This can happen when a project manager or team members become enamored with the latest technology and want to incorporate it into their project, even if it is not necessary for the completion of the project.

The result of this phenomenon is that projects take longer to complete, cost more money, and may not deliver the desired results. It can also lead to delays in meeting deadlines and other problems that can affect the success of the project.

Causes of Technology Creep

Technology creep is often caused by a lack of understanding of how technology works and how it should be used in a particular project. Project managers may not have enough experience with the technology they are trying to use, or they may be too eager to try out new technologies without fully understanding their implications.

In addition, team members may be influenced by outside sources such as vendors who are pushing their own products or services. They may also be influenced by peer pressure from other team members who are excited about using new technologies. Finally, there may be a lack of communication between team members and stakeholders about what technologies should be used and why.

Preventing Technology Creep

To prevent technology creep, project managers should ensure that all team members understand the purpose and scope of the project before introducing any new technologies. They should also make sure that everyone involved in the project understands how each technology will be used and why it is necessary for the successful completion of the project.

Project managers should also set clear expectations for team members regarding which technologies should be used and why. Finally, they should ensure that there is open communication between all stakeholders so that everyone is on the same page when it comes to introducing new technologies into a project.