Helene Instanes - Assignment #2: WILL IT BE ADOPTED?

Birksun 6 Watt Solar Backpack

 $159.99

This backpack offers an alternate source of power for electronic devices such as cellphones, cameras and tablets. It is just like a normal backpack, only with a solar panel. One hour of sunlight generates a 25% charge boost for most smart phones. Most humans are used to have access to a for example a smartphone all the time, with this backpack you don’t have to worry that you will run out of battery while you’re out hiking. It has some smart functions like a zipper on the side where you can keep your phone, and an elastic water bottle holder.  Separate rooms for laptops and pens are also one of the functions.
And if there’s no sun outside, you can charge your backpack before heading outside, so you can be ready to go on rainy/cloudy days.

Relative advantage: This backpack replaces the ordinary backpack and gives us newer technology than an ordinary backpack. A relative advantage is that you can carry your stuff with you on the back, and also charge your electronics if necessary. Another one is that it is compatible with newer phones like iPhone 5 and can be used by multiple electronics. The material is water-resistant so you don’t have to worry that your electronics will be damaged when it’s raining. The weight is also an advantage, weighing only 2 lbs 3oz.

Complexity: The backpack itself is not very complicated or difficult to understand how to use. It should be self-explanatory for most people, since all you have to do is plug in the electronic device and carry the backpack on your back. Also, it does not look very complex.

Compatibility: There are no barriers in compatibility that I can think of. It looks like a normal backpack only it has an extra function most people would love to have on their bags. While wearing this backpack you will look like everyone else wearing a backpack.

Trialability: This backpack can easily be tried before use. You can try it on your back and see how “different” it is than other backpacks, and you can also test and see if the electronic device is charging when in the sun.

Observability: Since there is a solar panel on the front of the backpack you will see that this is a different backpack than other backpacks. It takes some time to charge the electronic devices; so impatient people might not like this product. Also to fully charge the devices you will need direct sunlight not shadows or clouds, so the sunny weather is a must if you want to see how the backpack really works. 

Adaptbility: This product is low for adaptability since you can only use it as a backpack. However, you can re-invent products using more solar panels on travel accessories like bags, purses and other backpacks that will fit bigger laptops, not only up to 13”.

Conclusion: I believe this is a product that can be adopted. This is a product that work great in the sun, but can also be charged at home so it is not depending on sunlight. I would think this would be adopted quickly since there are many positive sides with this backpack. Its good for the environment, its easy to use, you can charge your electronic device while you’re enjoying the nature if you are taking a long trip somewhere and its easy to have on your shoulders. Improvements like a better solar panel to charge faster, or several panels could be added, like on the straps on the front and on the sides. Along with a bigger size so it would fit computers up to 17”.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/1661/