Opportunity: Every American enjoys a meal out at a restaurant sometime during the year, however, often there is a wait on busy nights such as the weekends and holidays. If there were a technology that would allow consumers and restaurants to report on current wait times at restaurants that would prevent customers from showing up and leaving after finding out about the significant wait time.
Solution: The solution that I propose is an app that allows customers and restaurants to post and update real-time wait times for any and all restaurants in a certain area. The app would use your current location to recognize restaurants near you as well as give you the ability to search specific restaurants to inquire on their wait time. By allowing both sides to update the app, this will help to provide the most accurate times because customers could overestimate the time while restaurants would want to underestimate the times. The app could also inform the user if the restaurant provided call ahead seating or reservations in order to avoid a wait time at all. As for the price of the product, it could have a tier system that took into consideration how often you reported wait times in order to reward those that are not only using the app but who are also helping the app. By displaying the different wait times and locations of restaurants on the app, users would quickly be able to access wait times and have a realistic expectation before even leaving the house.
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Testing the Hypothesis
Opportunity: Every American enjoys a meal out at a restaurant sometime during the year, however, often there is a wait on busy nights such as the weekends and holidays. If there were a technology that would allow consumers and restaurants to report on current wait times at restaurants that would prevent customers from showing up and leaving after finding out about the significant wait time.
Who: Restaurant-goers
What: They are unaware of restaurant wait times before arriving.
Why: There is currently no system that would allow both consumers and restaurants to provide real-time accurate wait times on different restaurants.
Interview 1: Sophomore at UF
1. How often do you go out to eat at restaurants?
A: I go out to eat probably once or twice a week. I eat most of my meals at home in order to save money as a college student.
2. How long of a wait would prompt you to leave to find somewhere else to eat?
A: Probably any wait longer than 30 minutes, depending on the restaurant.
3. What about having to wait to be seated, if any, bothers you?
A: It doesn't bother me a lot, but waiting more than 30 minutes to be seated means that I will have to wait even more additional time before I am able to actually eat my dinner. Typically, I will try to avoid a wait because I am often busy and don't have time to spend 2 or more hours to eat dinner out.
4. Would you like to know the wait of a restaurant before going?
A: I think so. However, if I was really wanting to eat at a certain restaurant I probably wouldn't care or check the wait time regardless.
5. On a scale of 1/10, how much does your wait time affect your restaurant experience?
A: I'd say about 5/10.
6. Please explain your previous answer.
A: If I show up to a restaurant and there is a very long wait time I will probably already start off my visit with a bad attitude because not only am I waiting but I am also hungry.
Interview 2: 50-year-old male
1. How often do you go out to eat at restaurants?
A: Probably 6-7 times a week.
2. How long of a wait would prompt you to leave to find somewhere else to eat?
A: No more than 15 minutes.
3. What about having to wait to be seated, if any, bothers you?
A: Typically if a restaurant has a wait longer than 15 minutes then there will also be a wait for food as the restaurant is probably busy.
4. Would you like to know the wait of a restaurant before going?
A: Definitely, wait time is a huge consideration for me when dining out.
5. On a scale of 1/10, how much does your wait time affect your restaurant experience?
A: 8/10. I will rarely wait at a restaurant.
6. Please explain your previous answer.
A: As I've gotten older, I have grown more impatient with waiting and I would rather go somewhere else and have a better experience than wait a long period of time.
Interview 3: 25-year-old male
1. How often do you go out to eat at restaurants?
A: I'd say about 3-4 times per week.
2. How long of a wait would prompt you to leave to find somewhere else to eat?
A: No more than an hour.
3. What about having to wait to be seated, if any, bothers you?
A: Personally, I don't really mind waiting as I am usually in good company and I understand that it takes some time for tables to be available if it is a busy night.
4. Would you like to know the wait of a restaurant before going?
A: I think this would be nice if I knew I was in a hurry.
5. On a scale of 1/10, how much does your wait time affect your restaurant experience?
A: 1/10
6. Please explain your previous answer.
A: As I said earlier, waiting doesn't really bother me that much and I am usually pretty understanding that restaurants almost always have a wait time. If one doesn't, I look at it as a positive rather than a negative if they do.
Interview 4: 45-year-old mom
1. How often do you go out to eat at restaurants?
A: Once or twice a week.
2. How long of a wait would prompt you to leave to find somewhere else to eat?
A: Around 20 minutes.
3. Why about having to wait to be seated, if any, bothers you?
A: As a mom with two young children it can be difficult taking them out to a sit-down restaurant and having to wait before being seated adds to the time that they have to behave and sit still which unsurprisingly can be challenging at times for them.
4. Would you like to know the wait of a restaurant before going?
A: Yes. This would be very helpful for my family.
5. On a scale of 1/10, how much does your wait time affect your restaurant experience?
A: 4/10
6. Please explain your previous answer.
A: If I have to wait too long before being seated my children can get fussy and its more enjoyable when my family is able to sit almost right away and be situated.
Interview 5: 27-year-old female
1. How often do you go out to eat at restaurants?
A: I'd say anywhere from 2 to 6 times a week.
2. How long of a wait would prompt you to leave to find somewhere else to eat?
A: Depending on the restaurant and my past experiences with them, I would say I would be willing to wait 30-45 minutes.
3. What about having to wait to be seated, if any, bothers you?
A: If I know the restaurant usually has quick service it typically won't bother me that there is wait because I know that I will be served quickly and will have good service. But if I'm not familiar with the restaurant or know they usually are pretty slow with service then I won't wait because it's not worth the time for me.
4. Would you like to know the wait of a restaurant before going?
A: Of course, I think everyone would enjoy being able to know this.
5. On a scale of 1/10, how much does your wait time affect your restaurant experience?
A: I'd say only about 3/10
6. Please explain your previous answer.
A: I try not to let a wait bother me too much as typically it is out of the hostess's control and I don't mind waiting when I'm with others.
Reflection: While everyone I interviewed agreed that long wait time is dissatisfying, it held more weight for some than others. Some things I had not considered previously would be that how long you might be willing to wait could depend on the restaurant. For instance, if it is your favorite place to eat or you know they always have great service, you might be more apt to wait a little bit longer upfront than if you have had a bad experience in the past. Also, some people don't really mind waiting because they are typically with others and the time passes quickly. Finally, speaking with a mom with two young children really brought a different perspective for me. While a wait might not seem like a big deal to some adults, it becomes a different situation when you have to entertain two young children who may not be as excited to sit for 30 minutes before even being served. All of these interviews really helped me to broaden my thoughts on who this opportunity most directly affects and why.
Who: Restaurant-goers
What: They are unaware of restaurant wait times before arriving.
Why: There is currently no system that would allow both consumers and restaurants to provide real-time accurate wait times on different restaurants.
Interview 1: Sophomore at UF
1. How often do you go out to eat at restaurants?
A: I go out to eat probably once or twice a week. I eat most of my meals at home in order to save money as a college student.
2. How long of a wait would prompt you to leave to find somewhere else to eat?
A: Probably any wait longer than 30 minutes, depending on the restaurant.
3. What about having to wait to be seated, if any, bothers you?
A: It doesn't bother me a lot, but waiting more than 30 minutes to be seated means that I will have to wait even more additional time before I am able to actually eat my dinner. Typically, I will try to avoid a wait because I am often busy and don't have time to spend 2 or more hours to eat dinner out.
4. Would you like to know the wait of a restaurant before going?
A: I think so. However, if I was really wanting to eat at a certain restaurant I probably wouldn't care or check the wait time regardless.
5. On a scale of 1/10, how much does your wait time affect your restaurant experience?
A: I'd say about 5/10.
6. Please explain your previous answer.
A: If I show up to a restaurant and there is a very long wait time I will probably already start off my visit with a bad attitude because not only am I waiting but I am also hungry.
Interview 2: 50-year-old male
1. How often do you go out to eat at restaurants?
A: Probably 6-7 times a week.
2. How long of a wait would prompt you to leave to find somewhere else to eat?
A: No more than 15 minutes.
3. What about having to wait to be seated, if any, bothers you?
A: Typically if a restaurant has a wait longer than 15 minutes then there will also be a wait for food as the restaurant is probably busy.
4. Would you like to know the wait of a restaurant before going?
A: Definitely, wait time is a huge consideration for me when dining out.
5. On a scale of 1/10, how much does your wait time affect your restaurant experience?
A: 8/10. I will rarely wait at a restaurant.
6. Please explain your previous answer.
A: As I've gotten older, I have grown more impatient with waiting and I would rather go somewhere else and have a better experience than wait a long period of time.
Interview 3: 25-year-old male
1. How often do you go out to eat at restaurants?
A: I'd say about 3-4 times per week.
2. How long of a wait would prompt you to leave to find somewhere else to eat?
A: No more than an hour.
3. What about having to wait to be seated, if any, bothers you?
A: Personally, I don't really mind waiting as I am usually in good company and I understand that it takes some time for tables to be available if it is a busy night.
4. Would you like to know the wait of a restaurant before going?
A: I think this would be nice if I knew I was in a hurry.
5. On a scale of 1/10, how much does your wait time affect your restaurant experience?
A: 1/10
6. Please explain your previous answer.
A: As I said earlier, waiting doesn't really bother me that much and I am usually pretty understanding that restaurants almost always have a wait time. If one doesn't, I look at it as a positive rather than a negative if they do.
Interview 4: 45-year-old mom
1. How often do you go out to eat at restaurants?
A: Once or twice a week.
2. How long of a wait would prompt you to leave to find somewhere else to eat?
A: Around 20 minutes.
3. Why about having to wait to be seated, if any, bothers you?
A: As a mom with two young children it can be difficult taking them out to a sit-down restaurant and having to wait before being seated adds to the time that they have to behave and sit still which unsurprisingly can be challenging at times for them.
4. Would you like to know the wait of a restaurant before going?
A: Yes. This would be very helpful for my family.
5. On a scale of 1/10, how much does your wait time affect your restaurant experience?
A: 4/10
6. Please explain your previous answer.
A: If I have to wait too long before being seated my children can get fussy and its more enjoyable when my family is able to sit almost right away and be situated.
Interview 5: 27-year-old female
1. How often do you go out to eat at restaurants?
A: I'd say anywhere from 2 to 6 times a week.
2. How long of a wait would prompt you to leave to find somewhere else to eat?
A: Depending on the restaurant and my past experiences with them, I would say I would be willing to wait 30-45 minutes.
3. What about having to wait to be seated, if any, bothers you?
A: If I know the restaurant usually has quick service it typically won't bother me that there is wait because I know that I will be served quickly and will have good service. But if I'm not familiar with the restaurant or know they usually are pretty slow with service then I won't wait because it's not worth the time for me.
4. Would you like to know the wait of a restaurant before going?
A: Of course, I think everyone would enjoy being able to know this.
5. On a scale of 1/10, how much does your wait time affect your restaurant experience?
A: I'd say only about 3/10
6. Please explain your previous answer.
A: I try not to let a wait bother me too much as typically it is out of the hostess's control and I don't mind waiting when I'm with others.
Reflection: While everyone I interviewed agreed that long wait time is dissatisfying, it held more weight for some than others. Some things I had not considered previously would be that how long you might be willing to wait could depend on the restaurant. For instance, if it is your favorite place to eat or you know they always have great service, you might be more apt to wait a little bit longer upfront than if you have had a bad experience in the past. Also, some people don't really mind waiting because they are typically with others and the time passes quickly. Finally, speaking with a mom with two young children really brought a different perspective for me. While a wait might not seem like a big deal to some adults, it becomes a different situation when you have to entertain two young children who may not be as excited to sit for 30 minutes before even being served. All of these interviews really helped me to broaden my thoughts on who this opportunity most directly affects and why.
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Identifying Local Opportunities
Title: "Like to smoke on the beach? It could be illegal soon"
Link: p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0103%21January%2B03&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/170C36F50A62A160
Description of Story: A proposal by a Sarasota senator would make smoking on the beach illegal. While currently there are no restrictions on smoking on the beach, the new proposal would impose a $25 fine or 10 hours of community service for smoking at the beach.
Problem: The Sarasota senator and others are concerned about how smoking on the beach can contribute to pollution and the environment. There is no regulation on smoking on the beach and there have been no median proposals, such as designated smoking areas on beaches.
Who has the problem: The problem mainly resides with government officials and citizens who do not want smoking on the beach to be allowed. However, those who are opposed to this proposal, specifically smokers who want to continue to be able to smoke on the beach, have a problem with the possible new legislation.
Title: "Group argues some springs clean-up plans lacking"
Link: https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0104%21January%2B04&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/170C8A3E23B93F98
Description of Story: The Florida Springs Council (FSC) has argued that some plans to maintain springs in Alachua county and other counties in Florida are not sufficient enough to meet proper standards. Inadequate plans to tackle septic issues as well as a lack of details in regard to cleaning and maintaining the springs are the main concern for the group. A main focus for the group and environmentalists is reducing the nitrogen levels in these springs.
Problem: The problem is that Florida springs are in need of maintenance and clean up, however the plan that is currently in place is not sufficient according to the FSC and they are hoping to encourage officials to amend the plan to better Florida springs clean-up.
Who has the problem: The Florida Springs Council has a problem with the current springs clean-up plan but there is also a problem for local springs that are directly affected by the plans set in place to preserve the environment.
Title: "I-75 safety: What can be done?"
Link: https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0105%21January%2B05&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/170CDCC07A221868
Description of Story: Interstate 75 has historically been a dangerous road where reckless driving has been the cause of many accidents, including the most recent accident that cost the lives of seven people. A collision with a semi-truck was the cause of this particular accident, and research has shown that more heavy trucks have led to more accidents in Alachua county. This most recent crash brought attention to the possibility of building a new road in order to divert traffic from I-75.
Problem: The combination of light state troop presence, not enough roadways for mass travel, and an increase in heavy trucks on the interstate has caused an increase in crashes in Alachua and Marion counties.
Who has the problem: State troopers who are trying to maintain safe roads and drivers who have to use these roads during travel without the guarantee that they are completely safe.
Title: "GDP: More unlocked vehicles burglarized"
Link: https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0107%21January%2B07&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/170D8BC4164DF9E8
Description of Story: An increase in burglarized unlocked vehicles has caused concern in the Gainesville area. There has also been an increase in scooters that have been stolen as we are making it "too easy" for thieves to steal from us. A campaign has been launched to remind citizens to make sure their vehicles are locked and that all belongings are taken out of their cars.
Problem: Leaving vehicles unlocked and belongings in sight has lead to an increase in car thefts.
Who has the problem: Citizens and local police who are working on efforts to reduce the number of unlocked vehicles and hopefully reduce car burglaries.
Title: "Educational equity isn't a zero-sum game"
Link: https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0109%21January%2B09&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/170E3DB875CD7FA0
Description of Story: It is obvious that every child has different needs and needs a different amount of attention in order to succeed. Alachua county has a large gap between white and African American student's based on many categories, including test scores. This gap emphasizes the changes that need to be made in the Alachua county school system as a whole and the approach to teaching students, specifically, African American students. The approach that will ensure students are succeeding and using their full potential needs to be one that addresses students on an individual basis no matter their background.
Problem: The approach to education in Alachua county needs to be changed in order to close the gap between white and African American students.
Who has the problem: Students, especially African American students, who need more attention or require specific needs in order to succeed educationally.
Link: p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0103%21January%2B03&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/170C36F50A62A160
Description of Story: A proposal by a Sarasota senator would make smoking on the beach illegal. While currently there are no restrictions on smoking on the beach, the new proposal would impose a $25 fine or 10 hours of community service for smoking at the beach.
Problem: The Sarasota senator and others are concerned about how smoking on the beach can contribute to pollution and the environment. There is no regulation on smoking on the beach and there have been no median proposals, such as designated smoking areas on beaches.
Who has the problem: The problem mainly resides with government officials and citizens who do not want smoking on the beach to be allowed. However, those who are opposed to this proposal, specifically smokers who want to continue to be able to smoke on the beach, have a problem with the possible new legislation.
Title: "Group argues some springs clean-up plans lacking"
Link: https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0104%21January%2B04&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/170C8A3E23B93F98
Description of Story: The Florida Springs Council (FSC) has argued that some plans to maintain springs in Alachua county and other counties in Florida are not sufficient enough to meet proper standards. Inadequate plans to tackle septic issues as well as a lack of details in regard to cleaning and maintaining the springs are the main concern for the group. A main focus for the group and environmentalists is reducing the nitrogen levels in these springs.
Problem: The problem is that Florida springs are in need of maintenance and clean up, however the plan that is currently in place is not sufficient according to the FSC and they are hoping to encourage officials to amend the plan to better Florida springs clean-up.
Who has the problem: The Florida Springs Council has a problem with the current springs clean-up plan but there is also a problem for local springs that are directly affected by the plans set in place to preserve the environment.
Title: "I-75 safety: What can be done?"
Link: https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0105%21January%2B05&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/170CDCC07A221868
Description of Story: Interstate 75 has historically been a dangerous road where reckless driving has been the cause of many accidents, including the most recent accident that cost the lives of seven people. A collision with a semi-truck was the cause of this particular accident, and research has shown that more heavy trucks have led to more accidents in Alachua county. This most recent crash brought attention to the possibility of building a new road in order to divert traffic from I-75.
Problem: The combination of light state troop presence, not enough roadways for mass travel, and an increase in heavy trucks on the interstate has caused an increase in crashes in Alachua and Marion counties.
Who has the problem: State troopers who are trying to maintain safe roads and drivers who have to use these roads during travel without the guarantee that they are completely safe.
Title: "GDP: More unlocked vehicles burglarized"
Link: https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0107%21January%2B07&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/170D8BC4164DF9E8
Description of Story: An increase in burglarized unlocked vehicles has caused concern in the Gainesville area. There has also been an increase in scooters that have been stolen as we are making it "too easy" for thieves to steal from us. A campaign has been launched to remind citizens to make sure their vehicles are locked and that all belongings are taken out of their cars.
Problem: Leaving vehicles unlocked and belongings in sight has lead to an increase in car thefts.
Who has the problem: Citizens and local police who are working on efforts to reduce the number of unlocked vehicles and hopefully reduce car burglaries.
Title: "Educational equity isn't a zero-sum game"
Link: https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0109%21January%2B09&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/170E3DB875CD7FA0
Description of Story: It is obvious that every child has different needs and needs a different amount of attention in order to succeed. Alachua county has a large gap between white and African American student's based on many categories, including test scores. This gap emphasizes the changes that need to be made in the Alachua county school system as a whole and the approach to teaching students, specifically, African American students. The approach that will ensure students are succeeding and using their full potential needs to be one that addresses students on an individual basis no matter their background.
Problem: The approach to education in Alachua county needs to be changed in order to close the gap between white and African American students.
Who has the problem: Students, especially African American students, who need more attention or require specific needs in order to succeed educationally.
Friday, January 18, 2019
Forming an Opportunity Belief
Belief: I have a belief that an opportunity exists to expand and better the parking situation for students at the University of Florida. The unmet need is the convenient parking on campus for students to have access to. Often, there is limited parking close to campus hubs that most students need access to and use their car to travel to. Also, the places that parking is most available, the commuter lot for example, are distant from campus hubs that students need to access and walking to their car can be timely and inconvenient. Students who attend UF and need to a place to park their car at any time in order to access campus are those who have the need for better parking. I believe that while this need has always existed to some extent, as the UF student population has grown in size to almost 40,000 students this unmet need has also grown extensively. Currently, people are either circling for long periods of time trying to find a parking spot close to campus or they are settling for a parking spot that is further away and more inconvenient for them. I am 90% sure this is a problem that students who need access to parking on the UF campus deal with on a regular basis.
Prototypical customers: A female UF student who is only allowed a Red 3 decal; a third year student who travels to and from school on a daily basis; a UF graduate student who travels long distances home on the weekends
First Interview: A female UF student who is only allowed a Red 3 decal
Q: How often do you find yourself needing better parking at UF on campus?
A: Every time I move my car I find a need for better parking at UF, it is often very frustrating.
Q: How long have you had this need?
A: As a second year student, I have had this need for both of my years at UF as parking has always been an issue for me. Beginning freshman year, I noticed that there was never enough parking in the most convenient locations on campus and I often had to wait over 30 minutes circling a lot to find a spot.
Q: Why do you think this is a serious problem for UF students?
A: As a female student, my number one concern with the parking situation is safety. Recently, there has been an attack on a UF student in the commuter lot, bringing attention to the parking situation that affects any student who needs to park on campus. While the commuter lot provides ample amount of parking, it is located far from the center of campus, making it unsafe for students who would have to walk at night or long distances to their final destination.
Q: How are you currently addressing your need?
A: Currently, I try to find the best spot close to campus, even if that means waiting for an extended period of time. If I have to park my car at a lot that is far from my destination, I might utilize SNAP or Uber to travel from the parking lot to my final destination in order to avoid an often timely and unsafe walk.
Q: How do you feel about expanding parking at UF?
A: I feel that expanding parking at UF is crucial for students who need their cars to travel to campus and the current parking situation, or lack of, should be taken more serious by the university as threatening incidents have happened.
Reflection: This most insightful aspect of this interview was the focus on safety. Before, I had only thought about parking as being a matter of time and convenience.
Second Interview: A third year student who travels to and from school on a daily basis
Q: How often do you find yourself needing better parking at UF on campus?
A: I have class every day which requires me to park on campus.
Q: How long have you had this need?
A: After moving off campus my sophomore year, I found it necessary to use my car to access campus for my classes.
Q: Why do you think this is a serious problem for UF students?
A: I think this is a serious problem for UF students because something like parking shouldn't be an obstacle for gaining a higher education and often, it is. When students are unable to find a parking spot or have to park farther than expected, it stands in the way of them attending classes and can greatly affect their education.
Q: How are you currently addressing your need?
A: Right now I allot myself about an hour of time before my classes to find a parking spot on campus. This is time I could be spending on other activities but because parking is so awful, I have no other choice.
Q: How do you feel about expanding parking at UF?
A: I am confident that expanding parking at UF would better the lives of students and faculty UF. By removing the stressful situation that is parking right now, students would have more time to spend on academics or other activities outside of campus.
Reflection: I am not surprised that this student agrees that there is a need for additional and more convenient parking, however, I did not realize how parking has the ability to affect a students education. This has given even more validity to the unmet need that is UF's parking situation.
Third Interview: UF graduate student who travels long distances home on the weekends
Q: How often do you find yourself needing better parking at UF on campus?
A: It is rare that I do not have an issue with UF parking. I park on campus three times a week and almost every time I have a need for better parking.
Q: How long have you had this need?
A: I recently became a graduate student at UF and did not realize that parking was such an issue on campus until I began my coursework.
Q: Why do you think this is a serious problem for UF students?
A: I think this is a serious problem for me personally because as someone who already has to drive over 4 hours back home on the weekend, the parking situation adds even more unnecessary stress to me and I am sure this is true for other students.
Q: How are you currently addressing your need?
A: Right now, I often park far from my classes and allow time to walk the extra distance.
Q: How do you feel about expanding parking at UF?
A: If UF parking were to expand, many students would reap the benefits and it would create a lot less stressful environment regarding the situation. However, I see it would be difficult for the university to address and fix this problem completely in a quick manner.
Reflection: Often times, I find myself of only thinking of conventional four year on campus students who struggle with parking but after speaking with a graduate student, I have been able to see that this issue stretches farther than I initially thought. Also, this student brought up a valid point about how it is difficult for UF to accommodate for all of their students who require parking.
Summary:
While the basis of my original opportunity is still there, I have found even more substantial evidence that helps support my belief that an opportunity exists to expand and better the parking situation for students at the University of Florida. My new opportunity is that while UF needs to better and expand parking for students across campus, I understand the difficulty in accomplishing this task. I believe that entrepreneurs should adjust their opportunities based on consumer feedback on a case to case basis. While some problems they might have thought through all of the possible solutions, others they may not be so clear on and would rely more heavily on feedback to adjust their opportunities. As long as entrepreneurs as open-minded about changing their opportunities, customer feedback is never a bad thing.
Prototypical customers: A female UF student who is only allowed a Red 3 decal; a third year student who travels to and from school on a daily basis; a UF graduate student who travels long distances home on the weekends
First Interview: A female UF student who is only allowed a Red 3 decal
Q: How often do you find yourself needing better parking at UF on campus?
A: Every time I move my car I find a need for better parking at UF, it is often very frustrating.
Q: How long have you had this need?
A: As a second year student, I have had this need for both of my years at UF as parking has always been an issue for me. Beginning freshman year, I noticed that there was never enough parking in the most convenient locations on campus and I often had to wait over 30 minutes circling a lot to find a spot.
Q: Why do you think this is a serious problem for UF students?
A: As a female student, my number one concern with the parking situation is safety. Recently, there has been an attack on a UF student in the commuter lot, bringing attention to the parking situation that affects any student who needs to park on campus. While the commuter lot provides ample amount of parking, it is located far from the center of campus, making it unsafe for students who would have to walk at night or long distances to their final destination.
Q: How are you currently addressing your need?
A: Currently, I try to find the best spot close to campus, even if that means waiting for an extended period of time. If I have to park my car at a lot that is far from my destination, I might utilize SNAP or Uber to travel from the parking lot to my final destination in order to avoid an often timely and unsafe walk.
Q: How do you feel about expanding parking at UF?
A: I feel that expanding parking at UF is crucial for students who need their cars to travel to campus and the current parking situation, or lack of, should be taken more serious by the university as threatening incidents have happened.
Reflection: This most insightful aspect of this interview was the focus on safety. Before, I had only thought about parking as being a matter of time and convenience.
Second Interview: A third year student who travels to and from school on a daily basis
Q: How often do you find yourself needing better parking at UF on campus?
A: I have class every day which requires me to park on campus.
Q: How long have you had this need?
A: After moving off campus my sophomore year, I found it necessary to use my car to access campus for my classes.
Q: Why do you think this is a serious problem for UF students?
A: I think this is a serious problem for UF students because something like parking shouldn't be an obstacle for gaining a higher education and often, it is. When students are unable to find a parking spot or have to park farther than expected, it stands in the way of them attending classes and can greatly affect their education.
Q: How are you currently addressing your need?
A: Right now I allot myself about an hour of time before my classes to find a parking spot on campus. This is time I could be spending on other activities but because parking is so awful, I have no other choice.
Q: How do you feel about expanding parking at UF?
A: I am confident that expanding parking at UF would better the lives of students and faculty UF. By removing the stressful situation that is parking right now, students would have more time to spend on academics or other activities outside of campus.
Reflection: I am not surprised that this student agrees that there is a need for additional and more convenient parking, however, I did not realize how parking has the ability to affect a students education. This has given even more validity to the unmet need that is UF's parking situation.
Third Interview: UF graduate student who travels long distances home on the weekends
Q: How often do you find yourself needing better parking at UF on campus?
A: It is rare that I do not have an issue with UF parking. I park on campus three times a week and almost every time I have a need for better parking.
Q: How long have you had this need?
A: I recently became a graduate student at UF and did not realize that parking was such an issue on campus until I began my coursework.
Q: Why do you think this is a serious problem for UF students?
A: I think this is a serious problem for me personally because as someone who already has to drive over 4 hours back home on the weekend, the parking situation adds even more unnecessary stress to me and I am sure this is true for other students.
Q: How are you currently addressing your need?
A: Right now, I often park far from my classes and allow time to walk the extra distance.
Q: How do you feel about expanding parking at UF?
A: If UF parking were to expand, many students would reap the benefits and it would create a lot less stressful environment regarding the situation. However, I see it would be difficult for the university to address and fix this problem completely in a quick manner.
Reflection: Often times, I find myself of only thinking of conventional four year on campus students who struggle with parking but after speaking with a graduate student, I have been able to see that this issue stretches farther than I initially thought. Also, this student brought up a valid point about how it is difficult for UF to accommodate for all of their students who require parking.
Summary:
While the basis of my original opportunity is still there, I have found even more substantial evidence that helps support my belief that an opportunity exists to expand and better the parking situation for students at the University of Florida. My new opportunity is that while UF needs to better and expand parking for students across campus, I understand the difficulty in accomplishing this task. I believe that entrepreneurs should adjust their opportunities based on consumer feedback on a case to case basis. While some problems they might have thought through all of the possible solutions, others they may not be so clear on and would rely more heavily on feedback to adjust their opportunities. As long as entrepreneurs as open-minded about changing their opportunities, customer feedback is never a bad thing.
My Entrepreneurship Story
Growing up, I was exposed to entrepreneurship through my own mother, who started a business over 10 years ago. My family opened a salon and has maintained control over that business for over 10 years now and it has opened my eyes to a lot of the inner workings of owning and operating a business. The idea to open a salon was originally one that my sister had been passionate about, but knowing that she could not do this alone she enlisted the help of my parents to make this dream a reality. After laying the groundwork for creating a successful venture, they began building a business that would have the chance to thrive- researching locations, products, consumers, and many other important factors that would ultimately contribute to their success.
Being able to see my mom take an idea and turn it into a reality was inspiring to me as I saw all of the long hours and hard work she put into her business and the sacrifices she made in order for the salon to benefit. Seeing these attributes in my mother has encouraged me to work hard throughout my education and in any activities or organizations I participate in. Entrepreneurs have to be hard working individuals who are able to think critically while under pressure in order for their business to prosper. I was given the unique experience to grow up with parents who are entrepreneurs and have shown me the value in entrepreneurial skills.
I enrolled in this course because I believe that even if you have no interest in becoming an entrepreneur yourself, almost every career could benefit from the skills and mindset that entrepreneurs use everyday to thrive their ventures. Hopefully, this class will be able to teach me more about these skills and how an entrepreneurial mindset can be beneficial in any situation that I may find myself in moving forward in life.
Being able to see my mom take an idea and turn it into a reality was inspiring to me as I saw all of the long hours and hard work she put into her business and the sacrifices she made in order for the salon to benefit. Seeing these attributes in my mother has encouraged me to work hard throughout my education and in any activities or organizations I participate in. Entrepreneurs have to be hard working individuals who are able to think critically while under pressure in order for their business to prosper. I was given the unique experience to grow up with parents who are entrepreneurs and have shown me the value in entrepreneurial skills.
I enrolled in this course because I believe that even if you have no interest in becoming an entrepreneur yourself, almost every career could benefit from the skills and mindset that entrepreneurs use everyday to thrive their ventures. Hopefully, this class will be able to teach me more about these skills and how an entrepreneurial mindset can be beneficial in any situation that I may find myself in moving forward in life.
Bug List
Bug List
1. Being rushed to be somewhere or get something done
Why this exists: This exists because we live in a society where time is considered to be very valuable and people are often unreasonably in a rush to complete a task or arrive at a destination
2. New York City public transportation is often unsanitary, behind schedule, and crowded
Why this exists: NYC Public transportation is meant to serve millions of people each year and does not have enough government funding to keep up with the demands
3. Receiving spam emails that fill up my mailbox and are irrelevant to my life
Why this exists: Companies try to advertise to consumers through mass email communication and do not concern themselves with the negative impact of their receivers
4. The price UF charges for parking on campus
Why this exists: There are limited number of parking spots on campus and UF is a public university that needs to generate revenue in all areas of business, including parking
5. When my roommates moves my laundry from the dryer without asking
Why this exists: I sometimes forget to immediately move my clothes from the dryer when it is finished and others want to use the dryer for their own clothes
6. When people you have never interacted with have a preconceived notion of you as a person
Why this exists: As humans, we are predisposed to judge others off of any knowledge we know or believe to be true
7. When people run into or push you without saying excuse me or apologizing
Why this exists: People are often in a hurry and are inconsiderate so they don't see the value in saying excuse me or apologizing for bumping into you
8. Self-centered people who only talk about themselves and never ask you about yourself/events in your life
Why this exists: Some people have trouble thinking about others in a way that doesn't only serve their own self interests
9. When my phone battery is low but I do not have access to a charger
Why this exists: My phone battery only lasts a certain amount of time without needing to be charged; often I forget to charge it during the night or use it more than usual during the day
10. Parents who do not vaccinate their children in fear of unrelated, irrational diseases
Why this exists: Misconceptions in society have led some parents to believe that vaccinations have the ability to cause other diseases such as autism, when really they are only putting their children and others in harm's way but not getting them proper vaccines
11. When people who know you don't say hi to you in public
Why this exists: Sometimes others feel as though they don't know you well enough to address you directly or they feel anxious in doing so
12. Gender pay gap
Why this exists: History of inequality within the United States has resulted in a gender pay gap that still exists in 2019
13. When people chew with their mouth open
Why this exists: Eating with your mouth open is a habit that some people have, they often do not even realize they are doing it, rather it is an uncontrollable habit
14. When someone interrupts you during a conversation
Why this exists: Usually, this isn't intentional but people often are eager to speak and blurt out what they want to say without realizing that they are interrupting you
15. When someone walks on the wrong side of the hallway/road/etc
Why this exists: People do not realize the flow of traffic is designed for the two sides to be able to pass each other without conflict or they forget to stay to the right
16. When my roommates come into my room and don't shut my door on their way out
Why this exists: Often, they are in a hurry and do not do it on purpose but it forces to me get up and close it myself
17. When my apartment fire alarm goes on for 35 minutes at two in the morning
Why this exists: Someone pulls the fire alarm when there is no actual fire, forcing the fire department to come and turn off the alarm
18. Customers who are rude to cashiers/servers
Why this exists: Some customers think that because they are paying for a service/product that it gives them the right to be rude to those employees who are just trying to help them
19. When you forget to buy something you needed at the store
Why this exists: Without writing down a physical list, it becomes difficult to remember everything you need to buy at the store and I am forgetful sometimes when there are many things I have to remember to buy
20. Watching a show or video on my computer and the Internet freezes or buffers
Why this exists: My apartment complex is very large and many residents are constantly using the Internet making it common for the wifi to be slow or stop working
Reflection:
I thought writing this list was difficult as it was a challenge to come up with 20 different specific things that bothered me. Throughout our lives, we experience many things that bother us but often these do not all happen constantly or at the same time so part of the challenge for me was thinking about times where I was bothered and what these "bugs" were. Obviously, more than 20 things bug everyone but being able to think about them all at once was the challenge. I also found this assignment somehow therapeutic- by analyzing "why" each bug exists it gave me a new perspective on understanding and handling these situations better realizing that these bugs are uncontrollable and not intentional. The "why" these bugs exist often required some critical thinking to get to the actual root of these bugs. It was interesting to think about how some of my bugs do not bother other people as different situations affect people differently and how they react to a certain situation varies vastly depending on that individual.
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
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