The Evolution of Technology

1. How consumers use technology and its impact on their lives

2. Over the years, technology has evolved and changed the world we now live in. At
the beginning, the first devices to be invented were very large computers, only
accessible to scientists or government researchers.
However, we are now able to purchase many different products and devices for
our own use, at a much cheaper cost. The products on the market today are now
much more user friendly, available in different sizes and portable. Depending on
the audience and what the device is intended for, there are many different
options to choose from, giving users access to the internet. Creating new and
improving existing technology is ongoing, in order to improve our lives.

3. • In April 2022, there were more than
five billion internet users worldwide,
which is 63.1 percent of the global
population.
• The average download speed in the
United Kingdom (UK) across all
technologies was 50.4 Mbit/s, in
March 2021, continuing an upwards
trend since 2017.
• Faster download speeds are needed
as customers are upgrading to faster
technologies.
Access to the internet

4. Digital devices used by
audiences
• In the last decade, UK households with
broadband internet connection has
increased by more than 100%.
• In the first quarter of 2021, 93% of the
population accessed the internet via fixed
broadband. This would be accessed through
a phone line or cable service, perhaps using
a Wi-Fi router.
• This means the internet can be accessed
from any device.
• Often consumers will use multiple devices
when accomplishing a task online. A shopper
may originally see the products advertised
on the television and research the products
online via a smartphone, however after
evaluating the products they may then go
on to use a laptop to check pricing and
complete the purchase.

5. How customers search
for information
• People use the internet for
researching information, online
shopping and entertainment.
• There are multiple search engines
available to use, such as Google,
Bing, Yahoo etc.
• By typing in keywords, phrases or
search terms into the search bar, the
search engines use these to find
appropriate websites.
• Examples:
• Mobile phones
• iPads/Tablets
• Laptops
• Door locks
• Home cameras
• Home security
• Voice speakers
• Home appliances
• Robotic vacuums
• Thermostats
• Lighting systems
• Sprinkler systems
• E-readers
• Game consoles
• Smart TV’s
• Stereos or speakers
• Virtual reality systems
• Headsets
• Wearable devices
• Car diagnostic apps
• Devices for pets

6. What consumers buy
online
• Over 2 billion people were counted as an
online shopper in 2020 and 2021, which is
over a quarter of the world population.
• Most purchases are casual items and daily
usable products, such as clothing,
electronics, and beauty products. Books
and travel items are also enlisted as
common purchases too.
• You can also buy services online, such as
coaching, languages, financial advisors,
logo designing, organising services e.g.
events, travel, parties. This list goes on.
• Making purchases online is now part of our
everyday life. Since the pandemic started,
requirements for online purchases has risen
significantly.

7. Online video
consumption
• Statistics show that worldwide over the past
two years prior to 2017, consumers had
changed their media consumption . During
a survey, 61% of respondents stated that
they increased their consumption of
content from subscription streaming video
services.
• UK users aged between 18 and 24 years
had the highest online video consumption
rate, with over 97% of users in this age
group watching videos online.
• In March 2022, approximately 75% of online
users in the UK were watching online video
content, using platforms such as YouTube
and BBC iPlayer. In fact, as of 2022, an
average person is predicted to spend 100
minutes each day watching online videos.
• Online videos are becoming more and
more popular, especially since social
media apps like TikTok have been
available. Instagram has also now brought
in video’s, also known as reels.

8. Consumer trends
• During the pandemic control measures and
reduced spending in social activities, consumers
invested more in tech products and purchased
more premium brands. In 2021, technology
brands saw considerate growth in consumer
demand across all regions of the world.
• Demand for consumer tech has also been driven
by the integration of digital services such as
streaming or remote fitness classes into devices
and equipment.
• Consumers are now more connected to
businesses whilst on the go than ever before. For
example, UK consumers now spend over £22.8
billion each year online shopping while using
public transport. This is due to technology being
so portable and consumers being able to get
good internet signal almost anywhere.
• Technology is continually evolving and will always
impact consumer behavior. With IoT and 5g still
emerging, companies are now having to do
everything they can to keep up with the trends
and technology.

9. From the first computers that were invented in the 1960’s to now being able to purchase all kinds of portable
devices, technology has evolved and is still evolving, so much that brands are having to keep up with consumer
demand and bringing out new products all the time.
Products are now much smaller, portable and are able to reach great internet signal whilst on the go, meaning that
you are no longer restricted to staying at home and being plugged in. Devices are becoming more and more
advanced and faster, therefore more people are purchasing more products and now own multiple devices for all
different uses.
There are different search engines available for searching for information via the internet, using key words or phrases.
Consumers are able to buy almost anything on the internet these days, from books to services, most of us use it in
some form every day.
Video consumption has risen dramatically in recent years, especially in younger generations. Video platforms such
as You-Tube and BBC iPlayer are now very popular, along with social media platforms such as TikTok or Instagram.
This has affected consumer trends and more people are now investing in premium brands so they can stream more.
Since IoT and 5g has emerged, more and more devices are being brought out to keep up with consumer demand.
Technology has impacted consumers lives dramatically, from children now using iPads to elderly people using
mobile phones. Technology is now available in many different forms and has impacted our lives considerably,
making the internet so much quicker and accessible, wherever you are.

10. Reference List
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[Accessed 17 October 2022]
• Statista Research Department (25 October 2022) Average broadband download speeds in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2017 to 2021, by technology [Online] Available at:
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