Models and Theories in Human-Computer Interaction/Diffusion of Innovation - Adopter categories

Diffusion of innovation - Adopter categories
Diffusion of innovation theory focus the method of spreading out the new technology idea through cultures. In Infante, Rancer, & Womack's theory, there are multiple steps of diffusion, the leader with opinion have significant influence on the behavior of individuals - is called the adopters.

This theory makes a good analysis about the new innovation is not simultaneously adopted by all individuals in the society. There is a time sequence that can be classified into categories to describe how the information is adopted. The adoption of a new ideas is spread through human interaction, such as personal network and media. In the categories, it is classified to - innovators are the first 2.5% of the people adopt a new idea. Then early adopter are the 13.5%, next early majority are 34%, late majority is 34%, and the last 16% is "laggard".

It make prefect sense that innovators and early adopter would be the type of people who are likely to try new technology, and the other categories will need time to adopt new technology. For example, i am considered as a early majority adopter as a college engineering student who like new technology; and my parent is laggard adopter, because they do not use computer and they prefer to use the device they already know how to use. Therefore, there are many factor that variance the time to adopt new idea that are depends on the local cultures, social system, ages, media, economic, and so forth.