Diffusion of Inovation

 What is the Diffusion of Innovation?

    The diffusion of innovation is a theory pushed by Everett Rogers; a book published in 1962. Rogers' theory is an innovation on how technologies are thought of, popularized, and spread through different channels. His theory covers how different distribution methods over time, through a social system, can alter creations. 

    During the first EOTO, I talked about the creation of iPhone. I extensively got to dive into the creation, the product, and the impact it had on society. I will use this theory to better explain the creation and popularization of iPhone!

    Roger's theory covers five main components, the first being the innovation itself. The iPhone was one of the first revolutionary smartphones. The iPhone included touch screen ability, internet connection, picture, video, and music. The iPhone used components of a mobile phone and smart device to create an invention that had everything a consumer could possibly want to carry on hand. Roger's talks about a product meeting critical mass, selling as much as it possibly can and reaching a stopping point. However, the iPhone was able to bypass this. The iPhone kept adapting, creating new versions constantly. 

    The second main element of the diffusion of innovation theory is the adopter or customer. The theory states that innovations rely on consumers to be candid about the product. Apple was able to create an invention based off consumer feedback, wanting a device that included a mobile phone and music. As the iPhone progressed in popularity and gained new feedback, Apple was able to create newer and updated innovated versions of the iPhone.

    The third element of the theory is communication channels. Although not explicitly stated in my EOTO, the iPhone became highly popularized due to media coverage. As Apple was rising in popularity, the iPhone was the first version of smartphone during its time causing media coverage to be extremely high. 

    It is evident that all main aspects of the theory work together to cause an invention to become revolutionary. The face of Steve Jobs, timing of the invention, channels of distribution, and the invention itself all are what caused the iPhone to be highly successful. With the right components, any invention can gain immense traction and become larger than life.