The Technology Adoption Curve is an adaptation of Diffusion of Innovations (1962), a model originally 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 the technology adoption curve offers three valuable insights into the process of adoption:
- 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 Technology 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.