The Innovation-Adoption Curve is a graphical depiction of Diffusion of Innovations (1962), a model created by Ohio State professor Everett Rogers as a method of explaining how, why, and the rate at which an innovation spreads through a population or social system. An innovation is a product, service, or idea that is perceived as new by its audience.
The Diffusion of Innovations model and the innovation-adoption curve offer three valuable insights into the process of commercialization:
- What qualities make an innovation spread successfully.
- The importance of peer-to-peer networks.
- Understanding the needs of each adoption segment.
These insights have been tested in more than 6000 research studies and field tests, so this is probably the most reliable model in the field of technology and innovation adoption.
The Innovation-Adoption Curve has spawned a range of adaptations that extend the concept or apply it to specific domains of interest, such as a model specifically for technology-based products.