4A - Forming an Opportunity Belief

There is definitely an opportunity at UF regarding scooter parking.  Considering the amount of tickets that are getting handed out to scooter users for parking in the wrong place or outside the boundaries there is definitely an opportunity to try to help this situation.  Even though everyone has a parking decal for their scooter it still doesn't mean they can park their scooter whenever and wherever they want.  The problem is that there is not enough space for people to park their scooters on campus and the tickets that people receive are $35.  All scooter users can attest that this is an issue.  This need has been around as long as I can remember because of the many people that attend UF.  My idea is to create different decals for different prices so that people can always have a place to park.  For example, if someone were to purchase the more expensive scooter decal they could have the ability to park their scooter in any available parking location.  This idea is similar to the way that different car decals can allow the cars to park in certain locations.  People are not doing anything to help this need because right now everyone will just try to fit their scooter in near the designated area.  I'd say there is a 60% chance that this opportunity exists.

1)  22 Year Male Senior w/ scooter

What is the exact nature of this need?

"There is never enough parking spots when I try to use my scooter.  Whenever I go to Library West it is always a fight to try to find a way to squeeze my scooter into a spot.  It is the worst when I have class and I have no choice but to leave my scooter outside of the designated area and pray I do not get a ticket"

Have you ever received a ticket because of lack of parking?

"Yes...and more than just "a ticket.  In my four years at UF, I have probably a received more than 20 parking tickets because there is just not enough room for all of the scooters"

How often do you experience this need?

"Not as much anymore, but when I was a sophomore and junior I remember I was struggling to find a spot a couple times a week"

How are you currently addressing this need?

"I don't normally use my scooter anymore, but I remember just having to move other peoples scooters to try to make room for my own"

Are you satisfied with this solution?

"I think this could be a great idea because I know I would pay extra if I could guarantee a parking spot for myself"

2) Freshman Male w/ scooter

What is the exact nature of this need?

"It's only been one semester and I already have 2 tickets that I have to pay off"

Have you ever received a ticket because of lack of parking?

"Yes I've received a couple and my mom is going to be mad after she finds out because she did not even want to buy me a scooter in the first place"

How often do you experience this need?

"Whenever I go to class I always have to go early to ensure I get a spot.  The same goes with whenever I go to the library"

How are you currently addressing this need?

"I'm not really doing anything to address this, I'm still learning the roads and what places are the best to park"

Are you satisfied with this solution?

"I think this could be a good solution, but I don't think I would purchase the more expensive decal because I am trying to save money"

 

3.  Junior Female w/ scooter

What is the exact nature of this need?

"There is not enough scooter parking in general"

Have you ever received a ticket because of lack of parking?

"Yes, of course just like everybody that has a scooter"

How often do you experience this need?

"Not too often, but sometimes it can be annoying to have to wait on someone to leave before I can park"

How are you currently addressing this need?

"I arrive to my destinations earlier to account for potential problems like no parking.  I also park at strategic locations that have more spots although it is a short walk"

Are you satisfied with this solution?

 "I think this is an interesting idea, but I don't know if people are willing to pay extra on top of already buying a parking decal"

Reflection: 

 I learned that although my opportunity sounds good, it may not be for everyone.  Since people are paying for parking decals they may not want to purchase a more expensive parking pass.  I think that there is still a large number of people that would be willing to purchase a better pass.

Summary:

After speaking with people about my potential opportunity I think that there is a majority that would appreciate an alternative way to parking.  Although I found that some people are content with the current situation there is definitely something that needs to be done about scooter parking.  I think that my opportunity is still a great idea, but perhaps a small bit of tweaking could help it become a truly fantastic opportunity for the campus.  I believe customer feedback is very important to the success of an idea because those are the people that are buying the services at the end of the day.