Watch for the “Pokémon Go Effect” as an indicator of Technology Adoption
Martin Brossman
Results Driven Success Coach, Speaker, Author, Social Media, and Social Selling Trainer
What I call the "Pokémon Go Effect" is a metaphor that encapsulates how society adopts new technologies. It proposes that for technology to reach widespread adoption, it must be packaged in a familiar, helpful, or entertaining way, thereby making it more accessible and appealing to the general public. This effect was vividly illustrated by the surge of people playing Pokémon Go, an event that felt as though everyone had simultaneously decided to explore augmented reality.
This phenomenon is named after Pokémon Go, which captured a global audience and demonstrated how seamlessly augmented reality (AR) could integrate into everyday life. The game's success stemmed from more than its ties to the beloved Pokémon franchise; it made daily activities like walking more enjoyable. This showcases the broader principle that people are likely to embrace new technologies when they enhance daily routines or offer significant utility.
Pokémon Go became a global phenomenon when it was officially released on July 6, 2016 in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. The game, developed by Niantic in collaboration with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, became a cultural phenomenon in the summer of 2016. - Google Generative AI
Packaging is crucial for adoption. Just as a well-crafted Poké Ball is essential for any trainer, technology must be presented in an engaging and intuitive manner. Once a niche concept, augmented reality gained widespread acceptance by being packaged as the engaging Pokémon Go, turning ordinary walks into exciting adventures. The key lesson is to make technology relatable, appealing, or very useful.
The timing of technology releases also plays a critical role. Consider Google Glass: it faltered because it was introduced too soon, and the public was not ready for such an invasive technology. In contrast, smartphones have become indispensable for photography and video because they were introduced when people were more receptive to such functionalities.
Historical precedents like VisiCalc, which transformed personal computers from niche hobbies to essential business tools, and the resurgence of QR codes during the pandemic as touch-free tools underscore the importance of understanding adoption patterns.
领英推荐
VisiCalc ("visible calculator") is the first spreadsheet computer program for personal computers, originally released for Apple II by VisiCorp on October 17, 1979. - Wikipedia
OpenAI's introduction of ChatGPT as a free service is another example of the "Pokémon Go Effect." By making this advanced AI freely accessible, OpenAI has demystified AI and showcased its practical applications, from assisting students to aiding writers, thus mainstreaming AI technology in a manner similar to Pokémon Go's effect on AR.
However, every technology has its downsides, as seen with Pokémon Go, which led to issues like distracted walking and other hazards. It's crucial to remain vigilant and aware of potential misuse and unintended consequences of new technologies. Like with firearm safety training, you want to move from fear or naivete to respect and relevant understanding.
Understanding the "Pokémon Go Effect" is essential for anyone looking to drive the adoption of new technologies. It's not merely about the technology itself but how it is introduced, integrated, and embraced into daily life that ultimately determines its success and acceptance.
With all the new technology coming out, we need to set priorities for which technology to learn more about. My intention is that the idea of watching out for the "Pokémon Go Effect" may be useful for you in deciding if a new technology is important for you to spend more time understanding or not at this time.
Information about our AI Training (customized training available too):
Special thanks to the following for input on this article: The Geeks on Tour , Robin Werling, Colleen Gray, Janet Wooley Sciacca, Angela Ellen Tripp, Chloe Gurkin Tuttle,? Dr. Justin B. Rose , and Dana Gower MBA CCP? .