Diffusion of innovation begins simply enough with acknowledgment of the innovation. The individual, or group, knows that the innovation exists but isn't yet aware of its potential or process. During this initial stage the individual is not yet interested in learning more of the innovation.
During the second stage of diffusion the individual begins to look into the merit and potential of the innovation and is intrigued by what he finds. In the persuasion stage the individual continues on to actively seek all information and details possible about the innovation.
In the decision stage the individual weighs the advantages and disadvantages of adopting the innovation. The individual then decides, given what is known about both the old and new methods, whether to adopt the innovation. Because of the subjective nature of each individual's choice, the decision stage is the hardest to study. As well, it is the stage at which diffusion is most likely to end.
At this stage the individual begins to employ the innovation to a certain extent, depending on the circumstances. Essentially the innovation is given a trial period during which the individual determines its usefulness while searching for still more information, often through his own experience.
In the final stage of diffusion the individual uses the information he has obtained, both in research and firsthand experience, to confirm what he has learned. At this point the individual has enough information about the innovation to choose whether to adopt it into complete utilization. In the end, if the innovation is confirmed, the innovation is adopted and used to its fullest.