Identifying a Consumer According to the Technology Adaptation Life Cycle

The source of this information is a friend named Ryan B. Ryan currently uses the LG enV2 phone with Verizon Wireless service. His use for the phone includes phone calls, text/ picture/ video messaging, alarm clock, calendar/ event scheduling, and occasional gps navigation.

Ryan is in the early majority of the technology adaptation life cycle. He is driven by a sense of practicality. This can be inferred because the features he uses improve overall communication. His phone has an mp3 player built in but he does not use this feature, instead he uses his ipod. This indicates that he is not yet comfortable with this feature, and feels it is useless because it does not improve communication. He has been with Verizon for about 8 years making him a loyal customer.

When asked what phone he would purchase if money were not an issue Ryan responded with the iphone. This phone is revolutionary in that it combines the phone, internet and ipod technology into one device. Ryan already owns an ipod, which is the reason he does not use the enV's mp3 player. There is great compatibility between the ipod and the iphone, creating its appeal. Overall, I would put Ryan in the early majority consumer group. His interest in the iphone displays some early adapter tendencies, especially in the desire for a breakthrough device. Many of his other possessions including his computer and car indicate that he is an early majority, or a pragmatist. He is driven by practicality and improvement.