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What are his definitions for these three stages of adoption, and how did he apply them to his case study of a camera? Write one clear paragraph for each of his definitions, listing their attributes in relation to the development of the camera. Can you think of another consumer product which has undergone similar developments? Name it.

The definitions of the three stages of adoption are: 1. Enthusiast stage In this stage, enthusiast users who love and appreciate technology in an esthetic way exploit the product. The fact that it may be a little difficult to use adds to the fun. Astronauts in the 50s used 35mm cameras, but a PhD in optics was required to use it. Once enough enthusiasts have their hands on this technology, sooner or later one of them will want to use it in their work. This is where it goes into the 2nd stage.

2. Professional stage The one will think of something practical to do with it. In the 35mm camera example, the camera which used to be a very expensive exotica then became a tool for serious and professional photographers to use. During this evolvement of the process, the camera controls became stabilized. The view finder was set in one place, you wound the film, the rewind lever was stabilized, you focused in a particular way...every control mechanism of the camera became stabilized, and alsoAfter a product has built up enough volumes through this business phase, it goes into the 3rd phase.

3. Consumer phase After a product has built up enough volumes through this business phase, the product reaches a price point, and becomes practical enough for consumers to buy. Priorities of the product have dramatically changed at this point, and in most cases, most important controls become automatic. Today when you buy a 35mm camera, if it even has film inside, the camera will read the film speed for you. it will set the exposure for you. It will set the flash automatically. Everything is done for you.

The enthusiast wants the camera to say "exploit me! Look at my capability!" The business user wants the camera to say "look at the productivity, see how much I can change you!" The consumer wants the camera to say "Look at how I can fit/change your style!".

I think an iPod is another product that has undergone similar developments. When it first came out, it was a black and white music player with actual buttons. Enthusiasts bought the product, and although it probably wasn't as difficult to use as a 35mm camera in the 50s, it probably required more knowledge on technology than one needs about iPods today. Then, the iPod became more practical with a click-wheel feature and even with a colored screen. Around these two stages, although quite a few people owned them, they were still luxury items that were quite expensive. Then, they became an even bigger hit with the 'video' player', and soon the gravity-sensor album coverflow. This is around the time when iPods actually became affordable and even more practical for consumers to buy.

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