1) My opportunity came about pretty organically, as I considered some things that hinder me often. The opportunity that presented itself for me was that I often am stuck waiting for parking spots at Starbucks on 13th Street. There is room for additional parking across 13th street and I was wondering if people were frustrated with the parking at Starbucks and if people would be willing to pay to park nearby.
2) I was looking for people who I knew used coffee shops as study areas, and possibly the Starbucks on 13th street. That was mainly college students.
3) My questions were to ask for age, name, and major. I then asked how many times a week they went to the starbucks on 13th street, how they felt about the parking situation, and if they would be willing to pay to park.
4) Talking was pretty uncomfortable, and most of the people I asked to interview were far more comfortable than I was.
5) I learned that you can't just assume what the general public believes. You really learn the views of people so much better by asking them.
6) I learned that interviews are not just a write off. It's hard to come up with an interview that will tell you something useful, and it's hard to execute it. Interviews are no super easy, and can also give you a mixed bag of information.
Hi William! I think your natural opportunity was great because you're using your surroundings to inspire you to ask questions and take action. Not every opportunity can be 100% plausible but you never would have known if you did not take the action to interview people. Personally I would've guessed that people would've been extremely dissatisfied with the parking - but just because they're dissatisfied didn't mean that they wanted to pay for parking which I thought was interesting. Great interviews, William! Feel free to check out mine here : http://ryandoescubing.blogspot.com/2016/01/customer-interview-no-1.html
ReplyDeleteHi William;
ReplyDeleteI believe you had a nice idea here, but a little bit more complicated to accomplish. Although I have never been to the Starbucks on 13th, there are a few other places where parking becomes a hassle, such as Pascals, MiApa or Burger Fi, so I can safely say you found an unmet need. Now, where to put the extra parking space I believe would be more complicated. Still great idea and keep striving! here is a link to my interviews. http://ent3003cesaralfonzo.blogspot.com/2016/01/customer-interviews-no-1.html
Parking is definitely something that needs improvement. I really liked how you organized the interviews and your questions. I support your idea. Ironically, UF is trying to eliminate parking spaces and garages to make the school more "green." their ultimate goal to only allow buses on campus and no vehicles at all. Your idea is the contrast to their plan but what you have is more beneficial. Good job
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