Friday, January 31, 2020
Identifying Local Opportunities
Gainesville Sun
1.
Title: Crazy video shows deer charge man in McDonald’s parking lot: ‘Didn’t spill my coke!’
Link: https://www.gainesville.com/zz/news/20200131/crazy-video-shows-deer-charge-man-in-mcdonalds-parking-lot-didnt-spill-my-coke
Description of story: A deer came after a man in a McDonald's open space parking lot in North Carolina
Description of problem: Deer are able to run loose and go into pedestrian areas
Who has the problem: The city of Locust, specifically the wildlife division. As well as McDonald's and the man.
2.
Title: Police seek dad, baby after 3 women killed in South Florida
Link:https://www.gainesville.com/news/20200129/police-seek-dad-baby-after-3-women-killed-in-south-florida
Description of story: An amber alert has been issued for a baby and the Father after three women were found shot to death
Description of problem: People have died, but also, no one can locate the missing father and the baby who have appeared to run away
Who has the problem: The city police, the city citizens who cannot contribute to locating the suspect
3.
Title:Gainesville man guilty of murder, eludes death sentence
Link:https://www.gainesville.com/news/20200130/gainesville-man-guilty-of-murder-eludes-death-sentence
Description of story: Gainesville man was acquitted of murder because of a previous charge, although he would've deserved it for the other crime
Description of problem: Justice was not given and man was not held accountable to the charge police initially gave him
Who has the problem: The city of Gainesville, their citizens, and the judicial system
4.
Title:Florida mom claims daycare staff wrote on her son’s tummy to remind her to bring more diapers
Link: https://www.gainesville.com/news/20200129/florida-mom-claims-daycare-staff-wrote-on-her-sons-tummy-to-remind-her-to-bring-more-diapers
Description of story: Teacher wrote a note on a child to show the mom she needed to bring more diapers with her. It was a way to prove to the mom she is not doing enough
Description of problem: Teacher violated child and wrote on them, when the child does not belong to them.
Who has the problem: The school board in Sanibel Island and the teacher who is not fired and may face charges
5.
Title: Gainesville man points gun in woman’s face during argument, deputies say
Link: https://www.gainesville.com/news/20200130/gainesville-man-points-gun-in-womanrsquos-face-during-argument-deputies-say
Description of story: Man in Gainesville drew a weapon on woman during an argument
Description of problem: The problem is this man may face legal charges, but it is hard to tell whether someone can do this or not given laws of self-deense
Who has the problem: City of Gainesville, the man who may be convicted, and the citizens of Gainesville affected by these laws and changes to them
Tyler_Opportunity Belief
1. Beginning Point:
The opportunity belief I have is from the problem of having too many things in your hand and not being able to get your keys to open the front door. I believe this is an opportunity because many people struggle with this problem and find there are many solutions out there that are already used, that could be applied to this area of life.
2. The unmet need is opening the door more efficiently, or while having many things in your hand. Everyone who is able-bodied and has a house or private place to live, preferably those that do a lot of work independently. Independently, because they will have less help to open the door for themselves. It has existed as long as homes with doors have existed, especially doors that are locked for security reasons. People are currently having to put their groceries or items on the ground or bench to then reach for their keys to open the door. Or they are balancing their items enough to open the door with it in their hands. I am 80% sure this opportunity exists.
3. The prototypical customer is any adult who owns a home, big or small, and can afford to pay to implement a device that allows them to enter into their house using technology and not searching for their keys.
4.
Customer 1:
My job requires me to carry books and materials back and forth. Carrying bags to school.
Everyday when I’m leaving and entering the house I have to struggle with the key. Sometimes I experience this need when I go grocery shopping and when you come to and from work. I currently address this need by trying to get the key into my hand before I pick up everything I need to get into the house. Putting things on different shoulders to balance the weight. I’m somewhat satisfied with this solution but I wish there was an easier way. I’ve had this need as long as I’ve been a teacher and a mother buying groceries.
Customer 2:
I don't have this need because I already have the equipment to get in without keys. My wife and I bought it and then used it to get into our house. We became aware of this when we did research for what we needed for our new place. I use a keypad that you can type in with a code, and it is equipped with wifi so we can unlock the door with our phones. If I am carrying something then I don't use my phone I use the code. I am 100% satisfied with this solution. Although they should make technology for me to do it with my watch.
Customer 3:
This need is something I could have, but is not a need a relate to a lot. The nature of this need is one that is not inherent, but it can be helpful to have a solution to it. When I have my hands full with groceries - I have to put water cases down to open the door, and then pick them back up again. I can see it with people who have kids as well. Most times you have to put the kids down and then open the door. I’ve had this need for as long as I can remember, ever since I’ve been out on my own. No solution I have right now really works, I’m not addressing it. Finding my keys is also a problem I have that relates to this. I’ve learned to accept the problem and need, although I am not satisfied. Accepting my fate, but I’m waiting for someone else to solve the problem.
5. I learned this opportunity is present in certain communities in the US but not in others. The person who said they already had a solution to this need using their phones, is from another part of the US outside of Florida. That was very surprising. I may have to re-think the scope of this need and assess whether it is worth pursuing.
6. Reflection included in step 5
7. The original opportunity is partially still there. There exists an unmet need for people around Gainesville, or people in homes that are older and are not equipped with key pads. I may extend the solution to voice activation, depending on the feasibility. It is not as accurate than when I started because apparently people in Washington have used other companies' services that can automatically unlock doors with face ID, such as Xfinity. Entrepreneurs should adapt their opportunities based on feedback, because customers are the ones ultimately with the user experience, and the ones who are going to be buying the solution that comes out of the opportunity.
The opportunity belief I have is from the problem of having too many things in your hand and not being able to get your keys to open the front door. I believe this is an opportunity because many people struggle with this problem and find there are many solutions out there that are already used, that could be applied to this area of life.
2. The unmet need is opening the door more efficiently, or while having many things in your hand. Everyone who is able-bodied and has a house or private place to live, preferably those that do a lot of work independently. Independently, because they will have less help to open the door for themselves. It has existed as long as homes with doors have existed, especially doors that are locked for security reasons. People are currently having to put their groceries or items on the ground or bench to then reach for their keys to open the door. Or they are balancing their items enough to open the door with it in their hands. I am 80% sure this opportunity exists.
3. The prototypical customer is any adult who owns a home, big or small, and can afford to pay to implement a device that allows them to enter into their house using technology and not searching for their keys.
4.
Customer 1:
My job requires me to carry books and materials back and forth. Carrying bags to school.
Everyday when I’m leaving and entering the house I have to struggle with the key. Sometimes I experience this need when I go grocery shopping and when you come to and from work. I currently address this need by trying to get the key into my hand before I pick up everything I need to get into the house. Putting things on different shoulders to balance the weight. I’m somewhat satisfied with this solution but I wish there was an easier way. I’ve had this need as long as I’ve been a teacher and a mother buying groceries.
Customer 2:
I don't have this need because I already have the equipment to get in without keys. My wife and I bought it and then used it to get into our house. We became aware of this when we did research for what we needed for our new place. I use a keypad that you can type in with a code, and it is equipped with wifi so we can unlock the door with our phones. If I am carrying something then I don't use my phone I use the code. I am 100% satisfied with this solution. Although they should make technology for me to do it with my watch.
Customer 3:
This need is something I could have, but is not a need a relate to a lot. The nature of this need is one that is not inherent, but it can be helpful to have a solution to it. When I have my hands full with groceries - I have to put water cases down to open the door, and then pick them back up again. I can see it with people who have kids as well. Most times you have to put the kids down and then open the door. I’ve had this need for as long as I can remember, ever since I’ve been out on my own. No solution I have right now really works, I’m not addressing it. Finding my keys is also a problem I have that relates to this. I’ve learned to accept the problem and need, although I am not satisfied. Accepting my fate, but I’m waiting for someone else to solve the problem.
5. I learned this opportunity is present in certain communities in the US but not in others. The person who said they already had a solution to this need using their phones, is from another part of the US outside of Florida. That was very surprising. I may have to re-think the scope of this need and assess whether it is worth pursuing.
6. Reflection included in step 5
7. The original opportunity is partially still there. There exists an unmet need for people around Gainesville, or people in homes that are older and are not equipped with key pads. I may extend the solution to voice activation, depending on the feasibility. It is not as accurate than when I started because apparently people in Washington have used other companies' services that can automatically unlock doors with face ID, such as Xfinity. Entrepreneurs should adapt their opportunities based on feedback, because customers are the ones ultimately with the user experience, and the ones who are going to be buying the solution that comes out of the opportunity.
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Tyler's Entrepreneurship Story
A relevant time in my life when I was exposed to entrepreneurship was for my high school science fair project senior year. As part of the engineering magnet program at the high school, all senior students enrolled in the program had to identify problems either practical or researched-based, and work towards finding a solution to that problem. My project focused on designing a solution for the physically blind that was a more efficient aid to walking (compared to a standard cane). The solution I created was a helmet that had ultrasonic sensors built into it, programmed to alert the walker via earphones. I weighed the implementability of this solution and the alternatives that existed. It was implementable enough, although it turned out to be too impractical. And there probably do exist alternatives today that offer canes with some sort of sensing in them.
I am taking this class because I am interested in learning more about how the principles of entrepreneurship work as guidelines to basic problem solving. It seems that many of the principles give a foundation for how to turn problems into realistic solutions. Also, I am studying Political Science and do not take many business classes, and would like to learn into level principles of marketing business solutions.
(This isn't me, just an idea of what I did for the project)
Friday, January 24, 2020
Tyler Jacobs_Bug List
Bug: During rush hour (on the weekdays), the traffic on campus near University Ave is very slow and has minimal movement.
Why it exists: Rush hour is the peak time cars to be on the road and university is one of the only arteries for traffic leaving campus
Bug: After 8pm, the emergency room wait time at Shands Hospital increases to up to 4-6 hours
Why it exists: There is an influx of patients after 8pm, more people are off work at this time. The ER is one of the few care facilities open after this time.
Bug: Between the hours of 9am and 5pm, there is no parking for UF students that live off-campus
Why it exists: The parking spaces on UF campus are given by priority, depending on position with university or if you live on campus
Bug: When it is busy, unless you are by an outlet, you cannot sit in any public place and charge your laptop
Why it exists: Laptops use cords with A/C plugs to charge laptop
Bug: There are only 2 healthy/organic/fully plant-based restaurants on UF's campus
Why it exists: This kind of food is not as popular and other restaurants have lasting contracts with the university
Bug: The rooms in the back corners of the house I live in are very cold in the winter months, so much so we can see our breath indoors
Why it exists: The insulation on the house is poor, the heating system is deficient
Bug: I have to search for my keys to unlock the door and get into my house. Or I forget my keys and cannot unlock it
Why it exists: The lock on the front door is mechanical and not automated
Bug: When calling Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL at any time of the day, a patient is transferred to up to five people before speaking with the person they need to speak to
Why it exists: There is no clear or organized presentation of calling numbers on the website, accessible to the public
Bug: The water fountain filters across UF campus are often on yellow or red, meaning they are going bad
Why it exists: The UF facilities department has not replaced them or seen that they need to be replaced
Bug: The bathroom in our house is always musty regardless of how much we run the exhaust fan in the bathroom
Why it exists: The exhaust fan is not functioning properly or the wood and foundation of the house is deteriorating internally
Bug: If students live off campus and they must bring heavy items onto campus, they must carry material around that they may not need for class
Bug: If students live off campus and they must bring heavy items onto campus, they must carry material around that they may not need for class
Why it exists: There is no storage space or lockers to house valuables for a period of time each day
Bug: Library or facility users must bring their valuables to the bathroom or any other part of the building with them to avoid them being stolen
Bug: Library or facility users must bring their valuables to the bathroom or any other part of the building with them to avoid them being stolen
Why it exists: People are inherently evil and take advantage of belongings left alone
Bug: For customers of the Sprint cellular company, phone service does not come through in open land settings and buildings random ground levels for buildings in Gainesville, FL
Bug: For customers of the Sprint cellular company, phone service does not come through in open land settings and buildings random ground levels for buildings in Gainesville, FL
Why it exists: The Sprint cellular network is not as powerful or expansive, mostly because their placement of cell towers or lack thereof
Bug: The bathrooms on UF's campus often smell like fecal matter and urine, even in more recently constructed buildings; such as Library West, Pugh Hall, etc.
Bug: The bathrooms on UF's campus often smell like fecal matter and urine, even in more recently constructed buildings; such as Library West, Pugh Hall, etc.
Why it exists: The ventilation system is not working properly and the fumes from the toilets travel up to the ceiling but remain in the room
Bug: Flights across the United States during most times of the year, like from Florida to California, are significantly more expensive than other kind of flights between American cities.
Bug: Flights across the United States during most times of the year, like from Florida to California, are significantly more expensive than other kind of flights between American cities.
Why it exists: The cost of maintaining an airline business has increased in the last decade. And there is less competition in the United States between airlines, lessening the incentive for companies to keep costs lower
Bug: Airline snacks and amenities are not always free and often more expensive than they would be off the plane
Bug: Airline snacks and amenities are not always free and often more expensive than they would be off the plane
Why it exists: Many airlines do not deem it worthwhile to give snacks without cost and believe they can retain business without it. Additionally, there is no competition thousands of feet in the air, so airlines can charge you more for immediate satisfaction
Bug: Most of the apartment complexes near midtown Gainesville are unfurnished apartments
Bug: Most of the apartment complexes near midtown Gainesville are unfurnished apartments
Why it exists: Realtors can expect tenants to furnish apartment because the location is of higher priority and therefore can be in more demand. The housing consists of usually smaller properties as well as opposed to more industrial complexes
Bug: Many UF professors in STEM related majors are poor or mundane instructors
Bug: Many UF professors in STEM related majors are poor or mundane instructors
Why it exists: Many STEM professors are hired for their research knowledge or ability, and not for teaching ability. These professors end up teaching courses related to their fields, but are not gifted in teaching or equipped with as much training
Bug: The customer service at Wal-Marts all over the state of Florida is slow in responsiveness and do not go above and beyond to serve you as a shopper
Bug: The customer service at Wal-Marts all over the state of Florida is slow in responsiveness and do not go above and beyond to serve you as a shopper
Why it exists: Wal-Mart management does not prioritize customer service training and expectations within the organization and does not hire on the basis of this skill as well
Bug: The mobile app for the bus system in Gainesville, FL does not accurately reflect when buses will be arriving at certain stops. It says the bus will be there in 30 minutes when the bus is actually going to there in 5.
Bug: The mobile app for the bus system in Gainesville, FL does not accurately reflect when buses will be arriving at certain stops. It says the bus will be there in 30 minutes when the bus is actually going to there in 5.
Why it exists: The location tracker on the bus is not properly connected to the time generator on the mobile app, or vice versa, causing it to display an incorrect time
Reflection: This was difficult because you do not think of the minute details of your everyday life. It is easy to think of 5 bugs, but 10 to 15 5o 20 is much harder and requires more reflection and attention to detail. Specifically, looking at your everyday path and asking what can be improved?
Reflection: This was difficult because you do not think of the minute details of your everyday life. It is easy to think of 5 bugs, but 10 to 15 5o 20 is much harder and requires more reflection and attention to detail. Specifically, looking at your everyday path and asking what can be improved?
Thursday, January 16, 2020
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)