In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, several overlooked innovations hold immense untapped potential. This article explores a range of cutting-edge technologies, from session replay insights to blockchain smart contracts, drawing on expert knowledge to uncover their transformative capabilities. By examining these often-underestimated tools, businesses and individuals can gain a competitive edge and drive significant advancements across various industries.
- Unlock Session Replay Insights
- Leverage Low-Code Platforms Strategically
- Commercialize Scientific IP for Breakthroughs
- Reimagine QR Codes for Seamless Experiences
- Harness Heatmaps to Boost Conversions
- Structure Facebook Groups for Community Learning
- Expand Browser Automation Beyond Testing
- Embrace Smart Energy Monitoring Systems
- Automate Mundane Tasks with Built-In Tools
- Transform Industries with Computer Vision
- Streamline HR Processes Through Automation
- Simplify Transactions with Blockchain Smart Contracts
- Boost Productivity with Voice-to-Text Dictation
- Optimize Mobile Storage with Geofencing Technology
- Enhance Patient Understanding with Intraoral Cameras
- Foster Empathy Through VR Training Programs
- Personalize Education with AI Learning Analytics
- Build Strong Data Foundations for AI Success
Unlock Session Replay Insights
Session replay tools are massively underutilized. Most teams install Hotjar or similar tools, then never actually watch the sessions.
We use session replays constantly, and it has completely changed how we approach product decisions. Instead of guessing why users drop off at certain points, we literally watch them struggle in real time. You see someone click the wrong button five times, get confused by navigation, or abandon a workflow because they can’t find what they need.
The potential here is huge. Every SaaS product has this data sitting there — actual recordings of users interacting with your interface. But most teams just look at the analytics dashboard and call it a day. They’re missing the story behind the numbers.
Here’s how to use it more effectively: make watching sessions part of your regular workflow. I review sessions weekly with our entire product team. When we see the same confusion pattern across multiple users, that becomes an immediate priority. When someone creates a workaround for a missing feature, that goes straight to our roadmap.
The breakthrough moment is when your developer watches someone struggle with a feature they built, or when your designer sees users completely miss an element they thought was obvious. Suddenly, it’s not abstract feedback — it’s real people trying to accomplish real tasks with your tool.
Most teams treat session replays like security footage — something you only check when there’s a problem. But it should be like user research that runs continuously in the background, showing you exactly how people actually use your product.
Raul Reyeszumeta, VP, Product & Design, MarketScale
Leverage Low-Code Platforms Strategically
I’ve noticed that low-code/no-code platforms are overhyped yet remain underutilized today. They are certainly not overlooked, but the hype paints them as a silver bullet for fast delivery. That’s why most organizations only use them for superficial projects and as a shortcut to “code quickly.” But that’s a limited view. In reality, the real power of these platforms lies in using them to “code better.”
When approached strategically, low-code/no-code tools can do far more than accelerate development. They can help teams design smarter, more scalable solutions. We’ve seen our own teams deliver apps (even for regulated industries like healthcare!) in as few as 14 days with PowerApps. These apps not only work but also adapt and evolve with business needs. While the speed of development is certainly impressive, the quality of output and the kind of results these low-code solutions are driving are much more impactful.
So, I’d say if you really want to leverage these LCNC technologies, treat them as your development aids, not shortcuts. When you do it right, these platforms will stop being just a hype story and start creating real, lasting business impact for you.
Pratik Mistry, EVP – Technology Consulting, Radixweb
Commercialize Scientific IP for Breakthroughs
One technology I believe is heavily underutilized is scientific IP itself — the deep tech discoveries sitting in research institutions.
We tend to chase the next AI app or SaaS feature, but the real breakthroughs — new materials, biotech solutions, climate innovations — are often left on the shelf because they’re “too complex” to commercialize. These technologies have the potential to solve existential problems, yet up to 85% never leave the lab.
If we applied AI and modern venture-building methods to systematically identify, translate, and scale this kind of IP, we’d unlock entirely new industries rather than just making existing ones more efficient. In other words, instead of building the 500th AI meeting assistant, we could be creating the next CRISPR or a targeted antimicrobial that saves lives in hospitals.
The potential benefit? Real innovation that compounds over decades — not just a spike in productivity this quarter.
Igor Trunov, CEO, Atlantix
Reimagine QR Codes for Seamless Experiences
One technology I think is still underutilized in the U.S. is the QR code.
In places like China, QR codes have become a primary interface for payments and everyday life because they provide the fastest possible bridge between offline and online. In the U.S., most people’s experience is limited to scanning a code for a restaurant menu, which often feels clunky and uninspired. As a result, many dismiss them as ugly or annoying, when in reality they’re a lightweight, universal tool that requires no special hardware or app beyond the camera you already have.
The potential benefits are huge. QR codes can make loyalty programs seamless (“scan at checkout, earn points instantly”), power faster and safer peer-to-peer payments, simplify event check-ins and ticketing, and even support password-less login or proof-of-attendance flows. For marketers, they’re also a simple way to track real-world to digital attribution in that you can connect a flyer, product packaging, or an ad directly to a measurable online action.
And importantly, QR codes don’t have to look like black-and-white postage stamps. They can be stylized to match a brand, integrated into creative design, or even replaced with other image triggers that work the same way. What’s missing in the U.S. isn’t the technology, but the thoughtful use cases and design around it. If businesses leaned into QR codes beyond menus and slapped-on PDFs, they could unlock far more frictionless (and better-looking) experiences that people would actually appreciate.
Colin McIntosh, Founder, Sheets AI Resume Builder
Harness Heatmaps to Boost Conversions
One technology that often flies under the radar in self-storage marketing is dynamic heatmapping for website user behavior. While many teams focus on traditional analytics like bounce rates or conversions, heatmaps provide an intuitive visual understanding of how visitors interact with your site.
Implementing heatmaps revealed surprising scroll-depth issues and CTA blind spots we wouldn’t have caught otherwise. For example, we discovered that a majority of mobile users weren’t reaching our unit size guide because it was placed too far down the page. Based on those insights, we reorganized the layout to highlight high-intent features earlier, which led to a noticeable increase in online reservations.
Heatmapping tools are inexpensive, easy to implement, and can significantly enhance user experience and conversion rates when used consistently. In an industry where digital convenience can be a dealbreaker, small optimizations driven by real behavior can make a measurable impact.
Hannah Bono, Marketing Director, City Storage by Nomad Capital
Structure Facebook Groups for Community Learning
I would argue that the single most overlooked piece of technology is the humble Facebook group (not in the way that most people use it). Many businesses simply create a group and then use it as another medium to publish their own content, which I believe just turns it into another noisy, one-way street.
When I started the Academy, I decided our private Facebook group wouldn’t just be another social space, but a core part of the learning experience. What we do is fairly straightforward: we give the community a clear daily structure. For example, every Monday is our practice plan day, where members can hop onto the group and share their commitments for the week to keep themselves accountable. Every Wednesday is the “Stage is Yours” day, where people can share the incredible progress they have made through a video of whatever piece they’re currently working on, no matter how imperfect it is. While getting feedback from our team is an integral part of it, the real magic happens when students are able to see each other’s struggles and progress. You will see them cheering each other on, realizing that they aren’t the only ones who find certain parts of songs challenging, and learning from each other how to overcome those hurdles.
So, my biggest piece of advice is to look at a simple tool like a Facebook group and think about how you can give it a very specific, clear, and predictable structure. I believe the potential isn’t just in creating a place where you can talk to your customers; it’s more about building a safe space where they can be vulnerable, talk to each other, encourage each other, and learn from each other. That’s where the real loyalty and connection come from, and it’s the most powerful and underutilized tool I’ve ever encountered.
Julia Temeer, Founder, Violinspiration
Expand Browser Automation Beyond Testing
One technology that is often overlooked, especially in fast-scaling startups, is browser automation beyond testing. Specifically, tools like Puppeteer or Playwright can be used for data operations, research, and customer insights, not just quality assurance.
Most teams think of browser automation purely for functional testing or scraping. However, we’ve used it in incredibly creative, high-leverage ways. One example: we built a lightweight Puppeteer script that runs weekly to simulate user sign-up journeys on competitors’ platforms. It captures UI changes, onboarding flows, and even subtle shifts in pricing language or value propositions.
This provided our product and sales teams with live market intelligence, without spending hours manually tracking competitor moves. It’s automated, repeatable, and easy to plug into Slack alerts or dashboards.
The potential is massive. You can use browser automation to monitor content drift, verify ad placements, validate affiliate links, or track how your brand is represented on third-party sites.
It’s underutilized because it lives in a peculiar space – not quite development, not quite marketing. But for companies willing to connect the dots, it becomes a stealth asset. Used correctly, it’s not just automation; it’s scalable awareness.
Shishir Dubey, Founder & CEO, Chrome QA Lab
Embrace Smart Energy Monitoring Systems
One technology I see constantly overlooked in the electrical industry — especially in residential and small commercial settings — is smart energy monitoring systems. I’m not talking about your basic smart plugs or phone-controlled lights. I’m talking about real-time, whole-property monitoring that tracks exactly where your power is going, down to each circuit.
Most property owners don’t realize how much wasted electricity costs them every year — not just in bills, but in equipment wear and tear. These systems show you live data on usage, identify appliances pulling abnormal loads, and alert you before a small issue turns into a costly repair. For example, I’ve seen them pick up failing motors in air conditioning units weeks before they completely burn out.
From a Level 2 Electrician’s perspective, the beauty of this tech is its preventative power. Instead of waiting for the lights to flicker or the breaker to trip, you’re ahead of the problem. It’s like having a health monitor for your electrical system. And when you combine this with solar, battery storage, or even time-of-use tariffs, you can optimize when and how you consume electricity — saving money without sacrificing comfort.
The problem is, most people think these systems are too complex or expensive, so they stick to old habits. But installation has never been more affordable, and the return on investment is quick. The key is education — showing homeowners and business owners that this isn’t a gadget, it’s an investment in safety, efficiency, and long-term savings.
If more people embraced smart energy monitoring, we’d see fewer electrical failures, lower bills, and a whole lot less wasted power on the grid. And from where I stand, that’s a win for the customer, the electrician, and the environment.
Alex Schepis, Electrician / CEO, Lightspeed Electrical
Automate Mundane Tasks with Built-In Tools and Technologies
In my opinion, built-in automation tools — Apple Shortcuts and Power Automate for desktop — are the most underused time savers. Most people repeatedly perform the same mundane tasks while their devices sit idle, capable of completing these tasks instantly. I’ve automated simple invoice filing, which saves me a considerable amount of time every month.
My advice is to start small: create one simple workflow that renames downloaded invoices, files them in the appropriate folder, and adds a line to your notes or task app. On iPhone or iPad, a shortcut can capture a receipt photo, rename it with the date-store-amount format, and email it to accounting with a single tap. The key is to automate tasks you already perform regularly, not a fantasy workflow you’ll never maintain. The best automation isn’t necessarily the most sophisticated — it’s the one you’ll actually use.
Yuri Berg, CBDO, FinchTrade
Transform Industries with Computer Vision
What you and I believe doesn’t matter; the fact is that one technology that’s consistently overlooked is computer vision outside of its obvious uses like facial recognition or surveillance. I’ve seen how transformative it becomes when applied in industries that don’t even realize they have “visual data” waiting to be tapped.
For example, in insurance, computer vision can automate roof inspections after natural disasters, saving hours of manual effort and reducing human error. In agriculture, it can monitor crop health via drones, predicting yield and spotting disease early. Even in retail, it can optimize shelf stocking and customer movement analysis. Yet, many businesses hesitate because they assume it’s expensive, complex, or “not for them.”
The benefit is clear: computer vision doesn’t just automate tasks; it creates new decision-making intelligence. When we implemented it for a client, they cut claim processing time by 60% while improving accuracy — something no manual workflow could match.
If leveraged more effectively, businesses could stop treating it as a futuristic add-on and start embedding it into everyday operations. In my opinion, the underutilization comes not from the tech itself, but from leaders not reimagining how their visual data could create unfair competitive advantages.
Naresh Mungpara, Founder & CEO, Amenity Technologies
Streamline HR Processes Through Automation
I believe automation technology in HR processes remains significantly underutilized despite its transformative potential. In my experience implementing data integration systems, we eliminated repetitive data entry tasks that were consuming valuable employee time and preventing more meaningful work. The benefits extended beyond efficiency gains, as our HR team could redirect their focus toward building stronger relationships with employees and understanding their career aspirations.
Organizations can implement this technology more effectively by identifying repetitive data entry tasks, then introducing automation solutions to handle these administrative tasks. When we applied automation to our talent acquisition process, we reduced errors, accelerated candidate assessment, and enabled our recruiters to focus on the human elements of hiring that truly matter.
The key to success lies in viewing automation not as a replacement for human judgment but as a tool that enhances our ability to deliver more personalized, high-value services.
Yan Courtois, CEO, Flexspring
Simplify Transactions with Blockchain Smart Contracts
I believe smart contracts in blockchain have untapped potential and are underutilized. These digital contracts on secure, decentralized platforms automate and execute agreements without intermediaries, simplifying processes such as loan releases, title transfers, and escrows. For example, a smart contract could be used to confirm a buyer’s income and credit based on real-time information and send money to the seller when certain conditions are met, reducing closing times from weeks to days. I have experienced deals that get bogged down in manual paperwork and third-party verifications. Blockchain would help avoid these delays, potentially saving clients between $2,000 and $5,000 in closing costs by eliminating middlemen such as title companies or notaries. The transparent and immutable ledger provides all parties with trust.
The mortgage industry needs to focus on training and integration to harness the opportunities of smart contracts. Blockchain intimidates many lenders who consider it complex, but it is no more complicated than the digital loan platforms we are already using. Educating loan officers and real estate agents to use these contracts, as well as collaborating with technology companies, may enable firms like mine to utilize this technology without incurring the expenses of developing costly infrastructure.
Ryan McCallister, President & Founder, F5 Mortgage
Boost Productivity with Voice-to-Text Dictation
I believe one technology that’s often overlooked is voice-to-text dictation, not just for accessibility, but as a core productivity tool. Many people use it casually on their phones for short messages, but they don’t leverage its full potential for drafting reports, capturing complex ideas, or streamlining repetitive tasks. I’ve found that when I dictate first drafts instead of typing them, I can think more freely and speak in a way that captures my natural tone, which makes the editing process faster and the final result more authentic.
The real power comes from integrating voice dictation into desktop workflows with software that learns your vocabulary and adapts to your speech patterns over time. When used consistently, it doesn’t just save time; it changes the pace at which ideas can be documented before they fade.
If more people embraced it as a primary input method rather than a convenience feature, they could reclaim hours each week while producing writing that feels less forced and more human.
Liam Derbyshire, CEO / Founder, Influize
Optimize Mobile Storage with Geofencing Technology
One technology that is often overlooked but highly valuable is geofencing. While it has been around for a while, many small businesses in the mobile storage industry still don’t fully tap into its potential. Geofencing allows us to create virtual perimeters around a location, and when customers or trucks cross those boundaries, it can trigger specific actions or notifications.
For a business like ours, this has huge upside. We can track container delivery zones more precisely, monitor dwell times, and even send proactive updates to customers when their unit is en route or nearby. It also enhances operational efficiency by helping dispatch teams understand routing patterns and avoid delays.
Despite its simplicity, geofencing can be a cost-effective way to improve communication, reduce friction in service delivery, and create a better overall customer experience. It integrates well with mobile apps and logistics software, and when combined with data from past moves, it helps optimize future deployment strategies.
Many businesses assume they need advanced AI to modernize their operations, but smart use of foundational tools like geofencing often delivers quicker wins with less complexity. It’s one of those quiet technologies that, when used intentionally, can dramatically streamline operations and support better service at scale.
Chris Welch, Owner, Badger Box Mobile Storage
Enhance Patient Understanding with Intraoral Cameras
I’ve found that many dentists don’t take full advantage of intraoral cameras, and that’s a missed opportunity. These devices can capture clear images inside your mouth, spotlighting areas that are usually missed with a traditional mirror. I find this technology to be helpful, not only for myself but it also allows dentists to show patients on a big screen what’s happening in their mouths. Whether it’s a cracked filling, the start of gum disease, or just plaque buildup, seeing these images makes it easier for you to understand your dental health.
Using intraoral cameras during your regular check-ups can really change how you view your visits. And more than telling you what’s going on, it’s about showing you so that those who might be very visual learners can see what is actually happening. Taking just a minute to show patients what we see can improve compliance, reduce anxiety, and increase acceptance of recommended treatments. It transforms dentistry from abstract explanations into visual, patient-centered care.
Ziad Jalbout, Owner, Making You Smile Cosmetic Dentist Studio NYC
Foster Empathy Through VR Training Programs
Virtual Reality (VR) technology remains significantly underutilized in corporate environments, particularly for diversity and inclusion initiatives. Many organizations view VR merely as an entertainment platform rather than recognizing its potential as a powerful tool for creating empathy and understanding among team members. We’ve successfully implemented VR programs that place users in scenarios where they can experience unconscious bias and microaggressions firsthand, helping them understand the real impact these actions have on marginalized groups.
Additionally, VR can transform onboarding processes by creating immersive virtual office spaces that showcase employee Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) experiences and company values from day one. When properly deployed with thoughtful content development, VR training initiatives can help employees better recognize and respond to inappropriate workplace interactions in ways traditional training simply cannot match.
Vivian Acquah CDE, Certified Inclusion Strategist, Amplify DEI
Personalize Education with AI Learning Analytics
I’ve come to believe that AI-driven learning analytics is incredibly valuable in education, but we’re not using it enough. Many schools and tutoring centers have already jumped on this bandwagon, but most are barely scratching the surface of what their data can offer. AI analytics can track patterns in student performance, identify where a student might be falling behind, and suggest specific ways to help. This is a huge time-saver for teachers and parents. It means students get the targeted support they need, and educators gain valuable insights that can help improve their teaching methods.
Schools can get the most out of this technology by not viewing analytics as mere numbers, but by seeing them as actionable strategies. Imagine integrating weekly analytics reports into lesson planning. Teachers could then spot which concepts are tripping students up and introduce customized activities to address those challenges. With AI analytics, we can create classrooms that adapt to the needs of each student, helping to reduce learning delays.
Mohit S. Jain, Co-Founder, Genie Academy
Build Strong Data Foundations for AI Success
Data management software is often overlooked by businesses, which is surprising since AI gets so much attention. Fragmented data scattered across different systems and formats makes it difficult to implement AI models effectively. This is often why businesses feel disappointed with their AI initiatives. Without a strong data foundation, AI simply can’t deliver its full potential.
Good data management ensures that information is accurate, consistent, and easy to access. While it may not be flashy work, it is the essential groundwork that allows AI and analytics to provide real value, whether automating tasks or creating more personalized customer experiences. I believe that in today’s AI-driven world, implementing robust data management practices is essential for any organization seeking to effectively leverage the datasets it collects.
Mykhailo Kopyl, CEO & Founder, Seedium