Three+Phases+for+the+Adoption+of+a+Technology


 * Three Phases for the Adoption of a Technology**

David Liddle explains the adoption of a technology through the example of photographic camera. He describes three phases for the adoption: Enthusiast stage, professional stage and the consumer phase.

Enthusiastic Stage: In this stage we have the enthusiastic users who love and appreciate the technology in an aesthetic way. Liddle explains that at this stage technology was difficult to use as a result of its complexity, which also made it a bit fun and challenging. He illustrates this with the invention of 35 mm camera in 1950, time when the astronauts first used them. It was so complicated it needed its own school degree to be able to use them.

Professional Stage: As more enthusiasts adopted the technology, surely there will be one professional that will see the benefits of using the technology in their work. The professional goes further and simplifies it making it more practical. In the case of the 35 mm camera, it went from very expensive commodity to being used by professional photographers. In this stage, the technology stabilizes and simplifies and takes the form of a consumer product.

Consumer Stage: This is the stage where it becomes feasible for the technology to reach the consumers. The technology has stabilized and become highly practical and simple to use. As more consumers reach to it, it becomes more affordable. Liddle says that as the priorities for the product change then the controls of the product become more automated.


 * Can you think of another consumer product which has undergone similar developments? Name it.**
 * Global Positioning System (GPS): GPS has also gone through the three stages of adoption. It was first used by Pilots and Astronauts until it became more practical and simplified to be used by consumers. **

**Work Cited:**
Liddle, David. Designing Interactions, 2009. http://www.designinginteractions.com/interviews/DavidLiddle