This research has some limitations that could be
addressed in further research. First, we examined the effect
of innovation locus and the moderating role of newness
using a scenario-based experimental approach. Although the
experimental approach is desirable for theory testing, further
research could enhance the external validity of the findings
by using secondary data to compare consumers’ adoption
rates for innovations integrated into the core versus in a
peripheral. However, researchers must be cautious when
using secondary data to investigate this issue because the
choice of integrating an innovation into the core versus in a
peripheral is likely to be constrained by “path dependence”
(Hunt and Morgan 1996). Specifically, when an innovation
JOURNAL OF MARKETING RESEARCH, JUNE 2015
is integrated into a core by initial design, it may be implausible
to launch it later as a peripheral. However, if the core
product is already available, it may be easier to introduce
subsequent innovations in peripheral components. Consider
the case of the motion-sensing technology, for example.
While Nintendo chose to integrate this innovation into the
core of its new generation gaming console system (Wii) by
initial design, its competitors (Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3),
which had already introduced new generation consoles earlier,
found it more plausible to introduce motion-sensing
technology in peripherals.
Second, we only examined conditions under which just
one firm introduces the peripheral innovation. Market entry
by competitors can dramatically change consumer reactions
to the pioneer’s innovation in peripherals. Because peripheral
innovations may be less costly than core innovations to
produce and market, competitors may be able to respond
more rapidly to such innovations. Conversely, competitors
may also respond to the pioneer’s peripheral innovations by
integrating the innovation into their core products, which
may offer the benefit of convenience (as consumers do not
need to buy two components to reap the benefits of the
innovation). However, the latter strategy of the late entrants
may only be warranted if the pioneer’s peripheral innovation
has gained sufficient market acceptance.
Further research could also provide deeper insights into
the mechanism underlying the role of detachability. As we
reported in Study 2, an RNI that is optional but not detachable
does not result in higher adoption intentions than the
peripheral locus (i.e., optional and detachable). We posit
that one mechanism that underlies the role of detachability
is perceived risk. As discussed previously, when an RNI is
optional and integrated within the core, consumers will
view the whole product as a decision object and infer interdependency
between the RNI and the rest of the product
components. As such, any risk associated with the RNI will
be mapped onto the entire product system. An additional or
alternative mechanism for the role of detachability is perceived
benefit. It is probable that a separate feature (i.e., a
peripheral) makes the innovation psychologically distant
and thus more desirable to consumers (Goodman and Irmak
2013). Examining these mechanisms is a worthy avenue for
further research.
Finally, research could also examine the temporal variation
in the effect of innovation locus on consumer adoption decisions.
The peripheral locus may be advantageous over the
core locus in the initial stages of the introduction of an RNI
because the uncertainty about understanding the features
and benefits of the RNI and the associated performance risk
are likely to be the highest at the introductory stage. As time
goes by, consumers learn about the RNI and develop the
requisite knowledge to understand its features and benefits.
Thus, at the later stages of product adoption (with uncertainty
reduced), the peripheral locus may lose its advantage,
and conversely, the core locus may actually gain an advantage
(because it reduces the inconvenience of multiple components
and could be perceived as a cleaner design). This
would be a fruitful avenue for further research. Overall, we
hope that this research spurs further investigation into the
role of innovation locus in new product design and adoption