According to the innovation adoption model, what is the first stage a consumer experiences when adopting a new product?

In the innovation adoption model, the first stage a consumer experiences when adopting a new product is awareness. This stage is crucial because it involves the consumer becoming cognizant of the product's existence and understanding its basic features or benefits. Without this initial awareness, the consumer cannot progress to the following stages such as interest, evaluation, or trial.

Awareness is often generated through various marketing efforts, including advertising, public relations, and word-of-mouth. Once a consumer is aware of a product, they can then develop interest, followed by evaluation of its merits, and possibly move on to trying or accepting the product. This progression illustrates the importance of awareness as the foundational step in the innovation adoption process.