Diffusion of Innovations (Everett Rogers)

Diffusion of Innovations, developed by Everett Rogers, describes how new ideas or technologies spread within a society. It identifies five categories of adopters: innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority, and laggards. Factors influencing adoption include the innovation’s perceived benefits, compatibility with existing values, simplicity, trialability, and observable results. The process typically progresses from a few pioneering individuals to wider acceptance, shaped by communication and social networks. Understanding this framework helps us grasp how trends and technologies gain traction and become part of everyday life.