Take users on a journey with new conceptual models

Introducing a new conceptual model to users is a journey that often doesn’t happen overnight. It requires careful planning and a gradual approach to change. As creatures of habit, people generally resist abrupt innovations, which can feel traumatic or disruptive. Therefore, making changes feel like gentle improvements on the past can be more effective. Take, for example, the release of Google Glass in 2012. It was a pioneering technology that introduced the concept of wearable computers. Although it did not become a mainstream success, it played a crucial role in shifting public perception and preparing users for future technologies in this space.^[1]

In both cases, the key is to have a clear end goal but to implement it in stages that consider the existing mental models of users. By doing so, innovators can gently guide the public toward embracing new concepts without causing a backlash. This long-term approach acknowledges the time it takes for significant changes to be accepted and integrated into everyday life.