What is the term for the process in which a market accepts a new idea or product?

The process in which a market accepts a new idea or product is referred to as diffusion. This concept encompasses how innovations spread through various channels and across different segments of society, eventually reaching widespread acceptance. In the context of design technology and market behavior, diffusion is crucial because it reflects not only the initial adoption by early users but also how that idea or product becomes integrated into mainstream usage over time.

Diffusion involves several stages, including awareness, interest, evaluation, trial, and adoption. It highlights the importance of consumer perception and external factors, such as marketing strategies and cultural attitudes, that influence whether or not a product gains acceptance. Understanding how diffusion works is vital for designers and entrepreneurs, as it helps them to strategize effectively for launching new products in the market.

The other terms, while related to the field, do not specifically describe the acceptance process in the same way. Innovation refers to the creation of new ideas or products, suppression implies the rejection or minimizing of a product’s presence, and adaptation focuses on the changes made to fit new conditions or environments, but doesn't capture the broader process of market acceptance.