Overcoming the Adoption Barrier of Sunk Cost: Part 2
Previous Note:
Overcoming the Adoption Barrier of Sunk Cost: Part 1
Humans are the biggest barrier to successful adoption. Our habits, beliefs, values, traditions, behavior and methods act as Mount Everest.
Then how should founders go about gaining adoption?
These are some methods that worked out well. Psychology is of deep interest to me. And I am curious to know more methods that are field-tested.
Overcoming the Adoption Barrier of Sunk Cost: Part 1
Humans are the biggest barrier to successful adoption. Our habits, beliefs, values, traditions, behavior and methods act as Mount Everest.
Then how should founders go about gaining adoption?
- Accepting Reality
- Acceptance is peace of mind and it sets a clear path forward for problem-solving. Arguing with what exists can be harmful, and at times, delusional. It can lead to surrounding yourself with people who always agree with you.
- Targeting Leaders
- Trust is key. Most people look upon someone they trust to give something new a first try. These could be early adopters or influencers. Leverage their advocacy to gain acceptance with the next set of users.
- Leveraging Similarity
- Baby steps work great. Introducing a new kind of pizza would be easier in certain markets than an ethnic food item. Another variance is to design for an adjacent use or market.
- Simplifying Usage
- Making the product as intuitive as possible takes serious design thinking. If it can be low-cost, even better. KISS principle from 1960 works even today.
- Avoiding Barriers
- Some barriers are best to avoid and revisit later. Pivot or create a different product or target a different market with the same product. Passage of time matures many markets.
These are some methods that worked out well. Psychology is of deep interest to me. And I am curious to know more methods that are field-tested.
Let's Talk: If you have a true experience that resonates, please send me an email.
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