Diffusion of innovation is a term that describes how new ideas, products, and technologies spread throughout society. It is the process by which an innovation is adopted over time and becomes more widely accepted.
The concept was first introduced by Everett Rogers in 1962, who defined it as "the process by which an innovation is communicated through certain channels over time among members of a social system." In this post, we will delve deeper into what diffusion of innovation entails using creative explanations.
The innovation adoption curve refers to the different groups or segments in society that adopt innovations at varying rates. These include early adopters, early majority, late majority, and laggards.
Creative Answer: Think about it like a music festival; you have those people who line up at 6 am just to see their favorite artist perform (early adopters), then you have those who arrive during midday and try out some new acts they've never heard before but quickly fall in love with (early majority). As evening falls there are still some reluctant fans sitting around contemplating whether to join the dancing crowd (late majority), while others choose to stay put because they're comfortable where they are or find no value in joining the festival any longer(laggards).
Early adopters are individuals who embrace innovations soon after they become available. They account for about 13% of the population according to Rogers' research.
Creative Answer: Early adopters can be compared to fashion models; always on top of current trends and willing to take risks even if it means going against conventionality. You'll often find them sporting avant-garde hairstyles or donning flashy clothing styles that eventually become mainstream fashion trends a few years later.
Technology diffusion simply involves spreading an innovative product or technology from the producers to non-producers. Technology diffusion is vital in bringing new products that may be useful or helpful for individuals and businesses alike.
Creative Answer: Let's say you develop a brand new mobile payment app, then your tech team starts sharing it around on the web with people who could benefit from an easy-to-use money transfer solution (that's technology diffusion). Eventually, as more people begin to recognize its benefits, they spread the word to their friends too.
Innovation diffusion can have far-reaching effects on society by improving productivity and providing economic benefits. It also generates greater choice for consumers while supporting individual liberty.
Creative Answer: Think about how innovation diffusion comes into play during tax season; accounting software automates complex financial calculations so accountants no longer need hours of handwriting ledgers trying figures out which way debit-credit flows through transactions (that's improved productivity). Alternatively small business owners get more options when it comes to prepping their spends/revenues report thanks to agile automation technologies available today(that’s generating more consumer choices)
The late majority is a segment of the population that tends not to embrace innovations until they are widely accepted by others.
Creative Answer: The “late majority' group reminds me of students cramming textbooks trying t grasp concepts just before final exams because everyone else go 18% higher marks after reading crash-course books (wisdom-of-the-crowd strategies).
