Is the Industry moving too fast or is the public adoption too slow?
We see it all around us every single day; A new product, promising to be the panacea for the technological deficiencies in our daily lives. But with the ever-increasing rate of and emphasis on innovation; are we being short-changed by an industry that is producing too fast or are we – as the consumers – at fault for failing to adopt and integrate emerging technologies into our daily lives?
It seems to happen all the time. Just when you were beginning to understand that new software, that new computer operating system, that new hardware with a modified chip, you hear news of the imminent release of an upgrade. Who is at fault in all of this, the industry or the consumer?
The answer is two-fold. For one, the industry dynamics do not allow for a lack of constant innovation. It might not even surprise you to hear that some of the product upgrades were in development for many years prior to their release. This disturbing trend of ‘introducing’ consumers to the future direction of technological advancements pervades the capitalistic-minded environment.
In addition, trends in the media and aggressive marketing tactics adopted by companies in the IT industry have helped cultivate a culture amongst the consumers of always looking forward to the next release of a product. Take for example the mass hysteria witnessed whenever an iPhone or an iPad is availed on the market. Just look at the effect of the news that a new operating system from Microsoft, Windows 8, will be on the market soon. All this innovation and yet some consumers are not well versed with Windows 7. Worse still, some have not yet even had a chance to use Windows 7 are still stuck on Vista. Nevertheless, should the needs of the many outweigh those of the early adopters who are looking forward to upgrades on their products?
The second answer is the consumer. Human beings are generally resistant to change. Just when you were getting used to your laptop, they go ahead and release the Ultra book. Some people like owning and using products for a couple of years before moving on to the next version of a product. However, with ever emerging technologies, the consumer is forced out of his/her comfort zone, bombarded with all manner of marketing gimmicks, in the attempt to push for the adoption of the new technology being churned out by the never –slowing production line.
There is no longer time for a personal experience or bond to form between the consumer and his/her new technological marvel. Just a cold, insensitive, unsentimental adoption of products phased out quicker than the needs of the general populace. It also does not help that we are in a culture that constantly marvels at the wonders of the technological industry, always looking forward to the next release or the next upgrade of a product.
In the end therefore, both the industry and the consumers cannot be the ones to blame, but rather, they are the victims of a vicious cycle in our capitalistic society. The constant push for innovation and the slow adoption of technology is at odds with each other but ultimately, the new generation of technology-driven children will lead the way in the future to bring a balance and ensure the industry and the consumer keep pace with each other.
