If a coin introduces a completely new technology that enables a different function and is sustainable in the long term, does it have the potential to be a worthwhile investment?
It's personal intuition and a bit of research that helps making the decision. If something new comes up, we should ask ourself first is it feasible? If it's feasible, is it useful? If it's useful, does it have enough market to grow? If it has a potential market, we should analyse if the current team is able to lead it into success, does they have good strategies set? Are they even legit person with experience of the market. If you well researched the coin you are investigating, even if things go wrong, you won't be at a loss.