Final answer:
The consumers who are first to purchase a product according to the adopter categories of diffusion of innovation are known as innovators. They play a vital role in the adoption process and set the stage for subsequent groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the adopter categories of diffusion of innovation, consumers who are first to purchase a product are known as innovators. These individuals represent a small fraction of the population, but they are critical to the adoption process because they are willing to take risks on new ideas and technologies, often inspiring others to follow suit. Following the innovators, products are then typically adopted by early adopters, the early majority, the late majority, and eventually by the laggards, who are the last to embrace new innovations.