Mature technology

A mature technology is a technology that has been in use for long enough that most of its initial faults and inherent problems have been removed or reduced by further development. In some contexts, it may also refer to technology that has not seen widespread use, but whose scientific background is well understood.^[1] Its performance characteristics are also expected to be well understood with well-established design specifications.^[2]

One of the key indicators of a mature technology is the ease of use for both non-experts and professionals. Another indicator is a reduction in the rate of new breakthrough advances related to it—whereas inventions related to a (popular) immature technology are usually rapid and diverse,^[3] and may change the whole use paradigm—advances to a mature technology are usually incremental improvements only.

^ Defining mature technology (in the sustainability and security of energy supply and utilization) (from a RBAEF memo, Dartmouth College, Tuesday 4 December 2003)
^ Karat, Clare-Marie; Karat, John (2010). Designing and Evaluating Usable Technology in Industrial Research: Three Case Studies. Morgan & Claypool Publishers. p. 13. ISBN 9781608450534.
^ How technologies evolve (from an OECD and IEA information paper, 2003)

[1] Defining mature technology (in the sustainability and security of energy supply and utilization) (from a RBAEF memo, Dartmouth College, Tuesday 4 December 2003)

[:0-2] Karat, Clare-Marie; Karat, John (2010). Designing and Evaluating Usable Technology in Industrial Research: Three Case Studies. Morgan & Claypool Publishers. p. 13. ISBN 9781608450534.

[3] How technologies evolve (from an OECD and IEA information paper, 2003)

[1]

[2]

[3]