I liked this article and I feel there is validity to the point that innovation can be stifled by strictly choosing boring technology.
But it is worth mentioning that in any non-trivial project there isn't a single "Choose Boring" or "Choose Exciting" technology decision that is made. Rather there is an entire collection of these types of decisions. And since "Choose Exciting" typically means that the tech is unfamiliar and/or novel, project risk dramatically increases the more "Choose Exciting" choices that are made.
As a tech person, and as a manager of engineers who I want to keep engaged and motivated, I have an affinity towards the "exciting" choices. But as the person responsible for on-schedule, on-budget delivery, I get pulled back towards "boring". It is a careful balancing act.
But it is worth mentioning that in any non-trivial project there isn't a single "Choose Boring" or "Choose Exciting" technology decision that is made. Rather there is an entire collection of these types of decisions. And since "Choose Exciting" typically means that the tech is unfamiliar and/or novel, project risk dramatically increases the more "Choose Exciting" choices that are made.
As a tech person, and as a manager of engineers who I want to keep engaged and motivated, I have an affinity towards the "exciting" choices. But as the person responsible for on-schedule, on-budget delivery, I get pulled back towards "boring". It is a careful balancing act.