Overcoming the Adoption Barrier of Sunk Cost: Part 2

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?

• 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.​

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• 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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