Shayan assignment 2

Genessee Daughetee Assignment #2

Genessee Daughetee
Soc 166
10/2/13


Assignment 2

http://www.japantrendshop.com/pupeko-antiaging-mouthpiece-p-1257.html

The product that I found is called the Pupeko anti aging mouth piece.  Japan has come up with an easy to use, small device that will give older women the youthful look that they are searching for. The Pupeko anti aging mouth piece allows you to simply pop it into your mouth, clench your jaw and breathe in and out. This simple technique, if done frequently enough, should start to train your cheek muscles and eventually decrease the signs of aging. It also comes in two different colors, yellow or pink.
I believe that the chances of this product being adopted in the United States are slim to none.  I think the biggest challenge that this particular product has to face is its compatibility, whether or not the product is viewed as being consistent with the values and norms or a social system.  The mechanics of the way you are supposed to use this product gives off a sexual connotation that isn’t conducive to American culture. The adaptability of this product will be low because of how you have to use it.   When I first stumbled upon it, I thought it was a joke.  Compared with other anti aging products like creams or face masks, the Pupeko will almost always lose out because it is unconventional and doesn’t re-invent an already existing product. I don’t think it the product has much of a relative advantage because the product doesn’t reap any extra benefits that you cant get with other anti aging techniques.  The Pupeko does have one advantage over other anti aging methods. The price of the Pupeko is less than  anything else on the market, so if it were to be adopted it would happen slowly and not in the United States.

Nishok Chetty assignment #2

Shannon Axelrod assignment 2

http://www.skymall.com/magic-wand-remote-control/78951.html?catid=10274#start=1
The Magic Wand Remote Control!
For the reasonable price of $89.95 you could be a wizard Harry! The Magic Wand Remote control works through motion sensors recognizing 13 distinct hand gestures. “Teach” the wand which gestures should be used to cha
nge channels, adjust volume, pause and play a DVD, and much more!  Unfortunately, as awesome as this product is, I do not think it will be widely adapted.  It’s only consistency lies with major fantasy genre fantasy, but provides almost no value other than entertainment. The wand doesn’t seem to complex however and reading through the user comments the ease to which programming and using it might increase its popularity. The wand’s operability is also fairly low since the only place you might witness someone using one is in their own home. I also don’t think further innovations could be obtained from the product, creating a fairly low reinvent-ability rate. Overall the magic wand remote control is too overpriced to become a widely adapted novelty item like the Snuggie, and too limited in practicality to be adopted for everyday use.

Samah Dada assignment 2

Samah Dada

Sociology 166

October 4, 2013

Assignment #2: Will It Be Adopted?

Product: “Photograph Yourself Arm for Phones”

Source: Japan Trend Shop

Link: http://www.japantrendshop.com/photograph-yourself-arm-for-phones-p-1826.html

 

Photos: (courtesy of Japan Trend Shop)

Product Summary: This product is one that allows the user to photograph themselves from a point that surpasses an arm’s length. Often, mobile phone users (and especially those with iPhones) utilize the camera lens on the front of the phone in order to capture photos of themselves without having to ask a second or third party to take the photo. However what this technology allows is the freedom to do so while simultaneously capturing more than just a close-up shot of the face; this close-up is typically what the front lens of an iPhone solely allows. The product itself consists of an extendable pole with a phone holder. It works with iPhones as well as other Smartphones, digital devices, and cameras. It weighs 178 grams.

Will it Be Adopted?: In a society that appears to be growing more materialistic and self-obsessed, this product is likely to be adopted. This adoptability can be examined in terms of relative advantage, compatibility, adaptability (re-inventability), and observability.

Relative Advantage: Relative advantage is defined as whether or not a technology is perceived to be an improvement or replacement of an existing technology. This technology will attempt to be an improvement on the front camera lens of Smartphones, and especially iPhones, that we are seeing today. This front camera lens is used often by those who would like to capture a photo of themselves by themselves or with others in the frame. The existing front camera lens essentially allows users to avoid asking strangers on the street, or other parties to take a picture of them; instead they can simply take the photo themselves. However, with the current front camera lens on phones, there are limitations; the depth of the shot is very small, consequently only allowing headshots to be taken with the lens. The “Photograph Yourself Arm” would allow users to take a photo of themselves and their companions with more than just their heads in the frame. It would allow individuals to efficiently take photos of themselves without having to trouble strangers. This is an improvement on convenience, efficiency, and time. Often it takes time to explain to strangers how to operate the camera, and the end result may not be a decent photo anyways. This technology thus allows the user to control the photo and its contents.

Compatibility: When a technology appears to be consistent with the values, beliefs, and norms of a system, it is said to be compatible. The more compatible a technology is, the faster it will be adopted. The “Photograph Yourself Arm” caters to society in the sense that it is compatible with the materialistic, self-centered attitudes that seem to be prevalent among many. We are a society who places a great deal of emphasis on presence within social media as a symbol of status; a major part of this presence on social media is the ability to take, exhibit, and share photos from our respective lives. This may be for personal fulfillment, or to merit the comments and “likes” from friends, family, and even strangers. Thus, the “Photograph Yourself Arm” allows users to take photos in a way that has not been done before, increasing the frequency of the photo taking and the amount of photos created and disseminated. However strange the technology may appear as a prototype, it would simply mould into society just as taking iPhone photos using the front camera lens. It has become socially and culturally acceptable and this technology allows for a way to expand this existing technology further.

Adaptability: A technology can be called adaptable if it is able to be re-invented in a way that serves a new purpose or environment. While this technology states that it is a “Photograph Yourself Arm for Phones,” it can also be considered a generalist technology. This is due to the fact that the dimensions of the holder can adapt to fit multiple Smartphones, cameras, and handheld video devices. While initially viewed as a technology that extends the photographic capabilities of an iPhone’s front lens, it can also be utilized to take videos and regular camera pictures, thus making it a generalist and adaptable technology. 

Observability: The observability of a technology has a great deal to do with whether or not results can be seen at a fast pace. Many preventative technologies such as CPR or vaccinations have a low observability because it is difficult to pinpoint and see results right away, however this is the opposite for the “Photograph Yourself Arm.” This technology is simply an extension of a technology that is already successful. It addresses the issue of not being able to effectively capture the photographer; once it succeeds in doing so, then the results will be seen in a manner that is as quick as a camera flash. Once a user sees the fact that this technology will be able to capture themselves, their companions, and the background in a single photo that could previously capture only what was visible at an arm’s length; they will recognize the advantages at that moment. Thus, this technology has a level of high observability; the results will be able to be seen right away as opposed to having a time-delay.

Design Errors: While not a design error, the prototype design did not specifically state how the user would be able to press the capture button on the Smartphone. While iPhones have a side button that may be pushed in to capture the photo, it would have been beneficial to have more information on how this may be adjusted if a video camera or standard camera were to be placed in the holder in lieu of an iPhone.

Improvements: This technology would have a faster rate of adoption if it contained a detachable second “arm” for your companion to hold while you both took the picture. This would steady the camera lens and allow for a more successful and clearer photo. It would also improve the technology to make the arm more compact, allowing it to slide into pockets easily for on-the-go accessibility. This would allow for more convenience and thus increase the technology’s rate of adoption.

grace Parente assignment 2

Grace Parente
22005046
October 4, 2013
Assignment 2

Product Analysis


http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/ae2d/?pfm=homepage_Featured_7_ae2d

“Onion Goggles” are designed for people to wear when they are chopping onions in the kitchen. They are used to prevent tears and burning during the onion chopping process. The goggles are designed to fit to your eyes as tightly as possible in order to keep the gases that are secreted from the onion from entering your tear ducts.  The website includes that there is no better way to prevent teary, burning eyes when chopping an onion. And it even highlights little “onion chopping tricks” that do not ever work, such as holding a cork in your mouth or lighting a candle.

This product will be adopted because it is a very simple solution to a common issue that many people who cook have during the period of chopping onions. Based on the product’s relative advantage, customers will find it very adoptable. There are not many other products like it that have been very popular in the past; therefore it is not competing with other products. Because the concept of goggles is not new to the public, the product will also be easily adopted. People already know how to use goggles and glasses because they are a “norm” of our society, therefore no one will have to learn how to use the product. It makes the product adaptable and compatible to society.

Because the tears produced while chopping onions, although a common problem in society, is not the most important to everyone, onion goggles will not be adopted very quickly. Over time, people will begin to adopt the product, however it will not become a “must-have” kitchen appliance any time soon.

audrey baker assignment #2

Nina Frausing Assignment #2

Assignment #2 – NFC ring

Near field communication, also known as NFC, is a technology that establishes radio communication between two products. The communication, interaction, sharing or pairing is completed when two products come close to each other (few inches) or by touch. A NFC tag is a technology that can be implemented in products to enable this interaction. Today, Android and Google Nexus are examples of how NFC is used to share information, pictures, music, etc. between devices.

The NFC ring is a product that was able to find excessive amount of funding through the other Silicon Valley startup, Kickstarter. The NFC tag is implemented in the ring, and when launched is suppose to enable unlocking phones, doors, etc . The personalization and simplicity of this new product amazed people and the founder, John McLear, has already been able to receive eight times the original funding he was aiming for (£241,947).

The relative advantage of the NFC ring is that it uses an already existing technology, which makes it more likely for adaptability. The product itself is simple and easy to use, and does not expect any form of preparation for the user. You can wear the ring as any other form of jewelry. The product will most likely not be very observable as other products already use the NFC technology. I believe the results will come when more products implement this technology into their systems, as people will look for these features when buying a new product. The society is just starting to get exposed to these new wearable’s, which aim to inform the individual or improve every day life. This ring is an example of how you can effectively unlock your phone or your door with just a simple touch. Even though the results will be difficult to measure, as it is the perceptions of people’s happiness or effectiveness, the compatibility of this product is very high. It is consistent with the innovative system and can be applied to different lifestyles. Almost all individuals have a phone or a lock, or maybe in the future it can be a way to carry around your personal information – checking in to flights (the ID is in the ring), buying groceries (your credit card information is in the ring)...

I believe this product will be adopted fairly quickly, but I also see this model as the simple first generation that will be followed by more advanced products in the near future. One error or negative element is that it relies on the NFC technology in products it want to communicate with. The iPhone for example does not have the NFC feature implemented and will need an extern NFC tag to work with the NFC ring. Despite this challenge, I do believe, due to the ring’s compatibility, that innovators and manufactures have to consider implementing the NFC in their future products to reach today’s technological orientated consumers.

Link:
file:///Users/nfp/Dropbox/NFC%20Ring%20can%20unlock%20your%20smartphone%20or%20front%20door%20%7C%20Digital%20Trends.webarchive

Kevin Peach assignment 2

http://qz.com/129919/the-worlds-craziest-toothbrush-cleans-your-teeth-in-six-seconds-and-is-3d-printed/

Product Description-

The “Blizzident Toothbrush” uses the new advances in 3D scanning and printing to create a toothbrush that is exactly shaped to fit one’s mouth. After getting a dentist to send in an impression of one’s teeth, the Blizzident Laboratory creates a mold using 3D scanning and printing to shape the exact “mouth guard” looking toothbrush. This toothbrush focuses on the idea of being able to scrub each individual tooth all at once, resulting in healthier teeth and positive dentist appointments. The selling idea is that this new toothbrush, after inserting into one’s mouth and moving up, down and sideways, can clean one’s teeth in six seconds. The “Blizzident Toothbrush” currently costs $300.

Relative Advantage-

This new toothbrush is incredibly complex with its many bristles and form fitting technology that it will provide many positive advantages over standard toothbrushes. The biggest advantage is that it cleans one’s teeth in six seconds. This allows for “on the go” brushing and the idea of brushing teeth will no longer be considered inconvenient. Many dentist recommend brushing for 2 to 3 minutes but many people are in such a rush that they only do it for less time or result to other products to make their breathe smell good. Another advantage is the ring shaped object at the end of the mouth guard looking toothbrush that allows one to be quick with their brushing movements while in comfort, as seen in the photo above. All of these advantages apply to all ages from children to adults.

Compatibility-

The product follows the norms and values of our society, as it is safe to say that everyone participates in the act of brushing teeth. There will not be any issues with this product in terms of compatibility and its ability to adjust.

Adaptability-

The toothbrush does not really have any new options in comparison to a normal toothbrush but it does provide the convenient, on the go aspect that brushing is currently missing. It could be used after eating meals, before important events and during typical brushing times but gives the convenient nature of being mobile while being quick, taking only six seconds. It honestly could be used in any situation and could have a huge effect on persuading the general public, especially children, to brush more often.

Observability-

The design of the product is very different from the standard design of toothbrushes but gives off the impression of a full mouth clean. By having the shape form fitted to an individual’s mouth allows for the idea of a full clean to be more apparent. Most people do not observe others brushing their teeth and it is incredibly hard to tell if someone has healthy teeth besides coloring. It will be hard to see the results of this technology but will be more apparent to the individual using it when going to the dentist.

Conclusion-

I think this product has a lot of potential in being adopted worldwide. It is a great advancement to the standard toothbrush that has remained the same for many years. It provides a modern, sophisticated look that would appeal to most buyers, is very easy to use, forms and is only meant more one mouth, and is beyond convenient for any age with six second brushing. The price, however, may be expensive for the general public but if the price were to drop, it would be bought quickly. I feel like the adoption rate of this product will be rapid.

Obsolete Product? Jessica Forino

http://www.amazon.com/Cashel-DAD-SC-The-Daddle-By/dp/B003EWECSC

Interestingly enough, this contemporary “Daddle” is an improvement upon 1950’s versions of the original leather saddle. Compared to the original, the new Daddle is safer to use with harness straps and also machine washable with the new 100% cotton design.

            The Daddle is worn like a backpack and is simple for the “horse” to put on. However, it requires a second pair of hands to situate the “rider” into the saddle. Once positioned on the saddle, the straps easily slip over the rider and are clipped into a secure position.

            Unfortunately, you do need to buy the product to try it. Because the Daddle is only sold online, there is no option to try the saddle before purchase.

            The Daddle offers Observability of how-to put on the product. It is evident from the ad how to adjust the straps onto both the rider and the “horse”. The picture also, obviously, demonstrates the excitement of the rider, clearly communication how fun it is for them.

            Interestingly, this product is highly compatible with the values and fashions of society. In America especially, parent involvement with children is highly encouraged. Because we are in a technological age, children are too often and too young exposed to the types of technology that create isolating entertainment such as watching a movie, playing a video game, or even listening to a book recording all from the convenience of a phone or tablet. However, this individualistic mode of entertainment severely lacks an irreplaceable element of peer and parent interaction. The Daddle provides priceless attention from the parent as well as a physical means of entertainment unattainable from other technologies. Furthermore, the product is marketed as the “Daddle” derived from “daddy” and “saddle” and is specified as a father-geared product. This is more opinion than analysis, but I think that especially in today’s view, society is pushing for more equal and wholistic parent involvement with their children; the Daddle is a type of product that attempts to pick up on the “father side” of interaction.

            On a lesser note, the Daddle could potentially pose a problem with social norms in terms of child safety priorities. Although the Daddle has straps for children safety, it is probably not the first choice of parents to have their children riding on a back, especially when so young.

Unfortunately, the Daddle does not offer very many alternative uses. Because of it’s unique design, it is highly “task-specific” to horse-back-riding. Therefore, it is not adaptable to other uses. This poses the problem of when the child grows out of the saddle, or weighs too much, the Daddle becomes obsolete and cannot be resued or recycled for other use. The Daddle is a one-time-use product only relevant for children of a certain age and weight. It is not universally accessible for diverse children of different body types and is also not easily stored for later use (if considering saving it for a second or younger child).

            I think that although the Daddle reinforces important social norms, ultimately it is not a smart purchase for $41. This is too high a price for as specific of a product as the Daddle. DUe to the cost-benefit Innovation Decision making process being highly linked to economic accessibility  i think that the Daddle will have a slow diffusion and adaption rate. I think that only a select few in the market would purchase the Daddle and it will not "catch on" as a fad--also due in part because parents already give their children "piggy-back" rides without the Daddle, rendering the product unnecessary for children.