Read The Article: Furniture You Can Grow And Determine Which

Read The Article Furniture You Can Grow And Determine Which Segment

Read the article "Furniture You Can Grow" and determine which segment of the technology adoption life cycle it resides in. Laggards in marketing comprise a group of consumers who avoid change and may not be willing to adopt a new product until all traditional alternatives are no longer available. The group is mostly concerned with reliability and low cost and represents about 16% of the consumer population. Study the definition. Close your eyes and become a laggard. What 3 products do you see around you? Why do you still use them? Do not use product categories. Use specific products like a Nokia flip phone. Read the optional article on "Laggards: How Being a Laggard or Late Adopter of Technology Can Save You Money."

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding the position of specific products within the technology adoption life cycle is essential for marketers and consumers alike, as it influences marketing strategies, product development, and consumer behavior. The article "Furniture You Can Grow" presents innovative furniture designed to evolve with user needs, which likely positions it in the late adoption or laggard segment of the technological lifecycle. In this essay, I will analyze this product within the context of the technology adoption life cycle and examine the typical characteristics of laggards by reflecting on three specific products I still use, aligning my observations with the traits of late adopters or laggards as described in marketing literature.

The technology adoption life cycle segments consumers into innovator, early adopter, early majority, late majority, and laggard categories. Laggards are characterized by their resistance to change, emphasis on reliability, and preference for traditional solutions (Rogers, 2003). They tend to adopt new products or technologies only when traditional options are no longer available or when the new alternatives are fully proven and inexpensive. Considering the furniture product from the article, it is positioned on the forefront of innovation, integrating growth and adaptability, qualities that typically appeal to early adopters and the early majority. However, as the product reaches maturity and becomes more reliable, it might also appeal to laggards who prioritize stability and avoidance of risk over novelty.

Reflecting on personal experiences, the first product I observe is a classic mechanical wristwatch. Despite the advent of digital watches and smartphones that feature time-telling functions, I continue to use this watch primarily because of its reliability, durability, and the sentimental value associated with it. Mechanical watches do not rely on batteries, are less susceptible to electrical failures, and often serve as a statement piece, conveying tradition and craftsmanship. For many laggards, such products embody their preference for proven, low-risk items that do not depend on complex technology.

The second product is a traditional landline telephone. Despite the widespread adoption of mobile phones, I still keep and use a landline for specific purposes such as stability during power outages, clearer voice quality for long conversations, and a sense of security. Laggards often prefer these devices because they are simple to operate, highly reliable, and have been tested over decades, embodying the traits of avoiding technological change in favor of dependability.

The third product is an analog television set, which I continue to use despite the prevalence of digital and smart TVs. The reason for this persistence is largely economic; the analog TV is a low-cost, fully functional device, and I have not perceived enough benefit from upgrading to a digital model to justify the cost or effort. Laggards tend to avoid adopting new technologies unless traditional alternatives are no longer available, and this has been my practical approach with the analog television.

In essence, these products exemplify characteristics typical of laggards: they are reliable, low-cost, proven over time, and aligned with a cautious approach to technological change. The furniture product within the article might initially attract early adopters due to its innovative design, but as it matures, it could appeal to laggards who value tried-and-true solutions. Given that laggards make up approximately 16% of consumers and prioritize reliability and cost, understanding their preferences provides valuable insights into product lifecycle management and marketing.

Engaging with the optional article on "Laggards: How Being a Laggard or Late Adopter of Technology Can Save You Money" further emphasizes the strategic advantage of cautious adoption. Laggards often avoid unnecessary expenses associated with rapid technological changes and benefit from advancements made after initial investments by early adopters. Recognizing this, companies can tailor products to meet laggard preferences by emphasizing durability, simplicity, and affordability, thereby expanding market reach beyond early technology adopters.

In conclusion, the furniture product from the article aligns with the late majority or laggard segment of the technology adoption life cycle due to its emphasis on growth, adaptability, and reliability. Personal reflections on my continued use of a mechanical watch, landline telephone, and analog TV illustrate typical laggard traits—valuing tried-and-true reliability over novelty. Understanding where products and consumers fit within the lifecycle aids businesses in strategizing product development and marketing efforts to cater effectively to different segments. The insights gained also highlight the importance for consumers of recognizing the cost-benefit balance in adopting new technologies, aligning with the notion that sometimes, being a late adopter or laggard can offer financial and practical advantages.

References

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