Practice IB Design Technology (DT) Topic 5.6 Rogers’ Characteristics of Innovation and Consumers with authentic exam-style questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank focuses on the exact syllabus content for 5.6 Rogers’ Characteristics of Innovation and Consumers and mirrors Paper 1, 2, 3 style where relevant.
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A designer creates a new smartphone that uses the same operating system and user interface as the most popular model currently on the market, ensuring that current users can transition to the new device without learning new commands. According to Rogers, which characteristic of innovation does this design feature represent?
Which of the following terms refers to enhancements made to a product compared to earlier versions?
A software developer releases a new 3D modeling application and offers a 'freemium' version that allows potential customers to use a subset of the tools for an unlimited time before purchasing the full suite. According to Rogers’ theory on the diffusion of innovations, which characteristic is this strategy specifically designed to address?
Zuperzozial is a Dutch company that manufactures a range of kitchenware (plates, cups, serving utensils, and vessels) from biodegradable bioplastic that is made from renewable resources (such as, corn, sugar cane and grain), see Figure 14.
The environmentally conscious kitchenware is stylish and durable. It also has a similar weight, feel, performance and dimensions to existing ceramic products. Zuperzozial are distributing their product through specialist kitchen stores, where they are displayed alongside conventional kitchenware. Zuperzozial needs to sell the kitchenware at a slightly higher cost than conventional kitchenware to recover the cost of the new technology used to manufacture using bioplastics.
Outline one psychological factor the Zuperzozial kitchenware’s designers need to consider.
Explain one advantage of using Finite element analysis (FEA) and one advantage of using physical models for testing the Zuperzozial kitchenware.
Explain one physical property that the material used in the Zuperzozial kitchenware needs to possess.
Explain how Rogers’ characteristics of relative advantage, compatibility and observability help in the diffusion of the Zuperzozial kitchenware.
A software company is monitoring the market adoption of a new project management tool. The following observations were recorded during the product's initial rollout:
| Observation | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | The dashboard layout is nearly identical to the legacy system previously used by the target consumers. |
| 2 | A free, limited-feature version of the tool is available for download on the company website for a 30-day period. |
| 3 | The new tool offers integrated real-time collaboration features that significantly increase team productivity. |
| 4 | Success stories and performance metrics from early users are published in a monthly industry trade magazine. |
Which observation specifically illustrates the characteristic of compatibility?