Compatibility (Does it fit?)
“Compatibility is defined as the degree to which an innovation is consistent with existing values, past experience, and current needs.” Nintendo has stated that the design and creation of the Wii was influenced by their Nintendo DS handheld device. As such, the Wii was in line with their values and past experience. Microsoft’s Kinect is a new venture for the company. The Kinect is surprising, in a way, because Microsoft is not the most creative company around. The Kinect’s successful release may be what Microsoft needs to make itself an innovator instead of a follower. Sony is known for its hardware prowess, so the Move isn’t too much of a deviation for it. Reviews of the PS Move have stated that it is more accurate than the Nintendo Wii. Although quality hardware is what Sony is known for, the implementation of motion technology is new to them. If Sony is to be successful in the future, it needs to focus on its core customer group (hardcore gamers) and leave the family/group oriented games to Nintendo and Microsoft.
Complexity (Can it be understood?)
“Complexity is defined as the degree to which a new technology is perceived as relatively difficult to understand and to use.” This is something that all three technologies have in common. The Wii, PS Move, and Xbox Kinect all make gaming less complicated. Instead of pressing buttons on a controller, you use your body and familiar motions to control the on screen action. This is what made the Nintendo Wii a breakout success, and enticed Sony and Microsoft to follow suit.
Trialability (Can it be tried?)
“Trialability is the degree to which a new technology may be experimented with on a trial basis.” Trialability is easy for all three companies to do. All tech companies must test their products before releasing them to the market, so this is no surprise.
Observability (Can the operations and results be seen?)
“Observability is the degree to which the operations and results of a new technology are observable to others.” This criteria is also similar for all three companies. The best way for them to observe results is to look at product reviews and sales. As the Wii and Kinect have shown, if customers like a product, they will buy it. Since these are hardware consoles, they have to invest money in a product, release it, and wait to see what happens.
Re-invention (Can it be modified?)
“Re-invention is defined as the degree to which an innovation is changeable or modifiable by users.” Under this definition of re-invention, none of the new motion technology systems allow for re-invention. Customization by hacking is not intended by the companies, so it does not qualify. But the technology can be modified in a sense by the companies themselves. The Kinect has already evolved on what the Wii started. It remains to be seen what else can be done to continuously improve the experience for gamers.
http://www.implementer.com/implementer/web/step4_b/facilitate-innovation.htm
Skyla Pope