The Hype Cycle is a model that illustrates the maturity, adoption, and social application of emerging technologies. It consists of five key phases: 1. **Innovation Trigger**: A breakthrough or emerging technology generates media interest and excitement.2. **Peak of Inflated Expectations**: Early adopters promote the technology, leading to exaggerated expectations and potential investment.3. **Trough of Disillusionment**: Hype fades as real-world limitations and challenges surface. Interest wanes, and many projects fail or stall.4. **Slope of Enlightenment**: Understanding deepens as successful projects begin to emerge and best practices are developed. The technology starts to demonstrate its true potential.5. **Plateau of Productivity**: The technology reaches maturity, becoming widely accepted and integrated into normal practice. It delivers real benefits and sees stable growth.The Hype Cycle helps investors and stakeholders gauge the potential of projects, manage expectations, and make informed decisions based on where a particular technology stands in the cycle.