Dissimilaatiokäyrää

Dissimilaatiokäyrä, often translated as dissimilation curve, refers to a graphical representation used in certain fields, particularly in economics and sociology, to illustrate the process of a new idea, technology, or practice being adopted by a population. It depicts the cumulative adoption rate over time. Initially, the adoption rate is slow as only a few early adopters embrace the new concept. As more people become aware and convinced of its benefits or necessity, the adoption rate accelerates, leading to a steeper curve. Eventually, the market becomes saturated, and the adoption rate slows down again as the remaining potential adopters are reached.

The shape of the dissimilation curve is typically sigmoidal, resembling an "S" shape. The initial slow growth is the introductory phase, followed by a period of rapid growth, and finally a plateauing phase as adoption nears completion. Factors influencing the shape and speed of the dissimilation curve include the perceived advantages of the innovation, its complexity, compatibility with existing systems, the risk involved, and the effectiveness of communication channels. Understanding the dissimilation curve is crucial for forecasting market penetration, planning marketing strategies, and anticipating the societal impact of new developments. Different types of innovations can exhibit variations in their dissimilation curves, with some spreading much faster than others.