14A- Halfway Reflection

I thrive to the opportunities to share any knowledge with someone who asks, that may present assistance in helping them have a better future. Tenaciousness is a perfect word to use when describing the attitude one must obtain to succeed in this class. Time management, organization, attention to detail, and a sense of humor are all things needed to stay up with the course and to succeed. This class challenges you differently than other classes but also aids to personal growth concerning deeper thinking. This class presented an opportunity/platform for me to share small ideas that I once thought were meaningless. Now I believe these ideas could help or become something of importance. 

Being sure to find your rhythm early is vital. Finding the flow with dedicated lecture watching times, creating, and updating the blog will help you stay on track. 

Initially, i believed the blog was going to be too much for me as I have never participated in blogs, turned in assignments in this format, and even followed a class in this way. Once I set my mind to it, scheduled times throughout the week to focus on these tasks, I was right on track. Finding your groove or balance is critical. I must admit that I have developed a more profound tenacious attitude after taking this course. 

TIPS

1. Sacrificing personal time is a must. As there is a decent amount of work and reading to do, Netflix or other distractions may have to be put on hold for a bit. 

2. I found that students participating in the class were extremely valuable for me in the online setting. Many times they would say things I was thinking, and this would help clarify things I may have had questions on. So if you are in class, be willing to go out on a limb and ask a question because someone watching the lecture may be thinking the same and can't ask it right away. 

3. Let this class be the first step of thinking outside the box. Challenge the norm and be willing to contribute to the class, community, or world around you. We can be the next great entrepreneur that changes life as we know it, but you have to be willing to learn and take chances.

13A- Reading Reflection No.1

Shoe Dog

1. After reading Phil Knight's book, I was amazed by how difficult the process was at the beginning. Of course, I expected it to be challenging to start a global shoe company, but I didn't realize how dedicated someone had to be to make their dream happen. When typing this out, it seems silly. But I was blown away with moments that Phil would fly to Japan to fight for his company. He had no money to his name, gave up relationships, and even his dad stopped lending money. Somehow, he continued to fight and make things happen. 

When thinking about what I most admired about Phil had to be his absolute focus and dedication to making his dream come into fruition. He heard "No" 100 times more frequently than he heard "Yes," but regardless of the obstacle, he found a way to make ends meet and to get things done. 

The thing I disliked the most would have to be the way he viewed himself. I believe he had a continuous battle with the fact that he truly belonged in the shoe game. That his passion, desire, drive, and vision were enough to get him into any deal, he desired. Plus he had the partnership with Coach Bowerman which became a bonus. 

Whenever the entrepreneur faced adversity, he had small moments of doubt or weakness and would question how to proceed. Eventually, that fire inside got him back on the horse, and he would tackle each obstacle head-on and with a can-do attitude. He was getting to the point where "No" was just not acceptable.

2. I believe Phil had a lot of experience under his belt. He was sharp, personable, and committed. When he set his sight on something, it was tough to veer him from this. I believe this was a massive strength of his and made him a desirable person to work with. I also think he did a brilliant job with making and building relationships with almost everyone he met. Somehow, a lot of those relationships came full circle and would be valuable connections in some way. 

3. One part I struggled with was the battle he faced with keeping a relationship. I believe an entrepreneur must make his product or company their baby. If you are doing this business with someone and a relationship builds from this, it's one this. But to try to be fully invested in starting a business and trying to keep a relationship, possibly a distance relationship, doesn't seem to be a smart decision. I believe these moments took away from reaching specific goals sooner or differently as he would describe being in a slump for weeks to months after the relationships failed. 

4. a) If you would do it all over again, what would you do differently, knowing all that you know now? I believe asking this question can provide valuable insight for anyone attempting to work and reach their dream. I think there will be a consistent answer on hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. But I would be intrigued if there would be something outstanding that set him apart. 

b) Would having his father's support make a difference in the earlier stages or did the risk of going out on his own help him? As an athlete, I believe when you work for something, it is even more rewarding when things work out. Having this edge makes someone a bit more aggressive, a bit more hungry. I wonder if his dad's challenge at the beginning to go and get loans, really made him have a little more edge to his work. 

5. I believe he viewed the entire process of hard work. This whole journey was extremely tiresome and so much went into making the dream happen. I do think, support, and try to live this action out also. I put everything toward reaching my athletic dreams, in hopes of reflecting on the journey and knowing that I gave it my all. 

12A – Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 1

1. The marketing segment I have chosen is the parent in the age gap of 40-50 years old. 

2. Finding people that were willing to speak about the issues they had with their children and even spouses was very easy when searching for participants for the study. I asked the individuals what they felt was missing at their dinner times and just at home toward the end of the day. All parents were unified when saying "Quality family time was missing." This was different for different families. Many parents spoke about the schedules their children had and how they were running them from place to place. Also, how their spouses would sometimes eat separate to the rest of the family and this set a bad example for the children. 

I would always follow up with the proposal of how Campfire abilities could benefit their household and possible bring everyone to the table and talking again. Two of the interviewees asked to immediately purchase the device as their tolerance for their children and spouse being on the phone continuously have driven them crazy. The other interviewee asked for the store or link to further research the product as there was a slight hesitation of the full capabilities to the product.

3. It was evident that all subjects used Amazon or Google for any product research. These were the two platforms immediately discussed when looking for further information on the products. The parents were interested in the privacy aspect and if the product somehow hacks their devices. The parents also wanted to know how large the product was and if there were different colors and strengths. Lastly, they all knew of additional parents that would be happy to put the product in their homes if it proved to be safe. 

4. In the end, I learned that though Campfire's mission was well received, there seems to be a significant concern with the safety of the product. Recent security hacks have made families worry about the safety of their homes, wallets, and vehicles. With companies using so much fine print, parents have become hesitant about what these items may genuinely be up to. Claiming one thing but doing another. There would be a challenge at the beginning of product education but an additional push on the safety of the item. That the product is not there to listen, watch, and cause damage in any way. 

I believe the segment I focused on was very knowledgeable and very excited for new possibilities. I also felt that there was a genuine unmet need and that many parents thought that the devices were changing parenting and marriage as a whole. 

11A – Idea Napkin No. 1

Campfire (signal blocker)- "Make the good old times, now." 

1.I am a student-athlete that recognizes the lack of communication amongst individuals around meals due to the increasing attention given to mobile devices. I have strong interpersonal skills and do well with identifying opportunities that may aid in the well being of individuals and the relationships around them. As a student-athlete, I am either in a class with other students or training with different groups of athletes. On many occasions, I found that when any free time was present, instead of making conversation with the immediate people around us, the majority of students would jump to their phones, tablets, or laptops. This led me to the idea that face-to-face interactions have now been taken for granted or just not critical and many people wish to be somewhere else or with someone else. I would aspire to create a product that would encourage face-to-face conversations again. To promote a connection with those around you. I wish to give everyone the opportunity to honestly get to know your neighbor, relative, or teammate. 

2. Campfire is a product that blocks the signals from registered mobile devices. But if the individual needs to receive messages, there is a setting that allows the messages or calls to be, but no notification will be granted until Campfire is turned back on. This way the constant glances to a device is no longer necessary as there would be nothing new to see. It would essentially be as if the user was on a plane without wifi service. The device can not block all devices. All devices must be registered initially for safety reasons and also to prove consent. 

3. This product would be ideal for parents with children that struggle to get them off their mobile devices during dinner, church, or any function that the child may be distracted from being present. 

This product would be great for professors that wish to have students' undivided attention. Also, disables the chances of a student using a mobile device to cheat on an exam.

This would work well with any business or group that wishes to have the full attention of the members present. 

4. Campfire allows connections to be made again. It will enable families to become closer, for teams to form deeper bonds, and for students to truly learn. Technology is great and has opened so many doors to better today and tomorrow, but these innovations shouldn't take away from the basics. Reflecting on your day and sharing these moments with loved ones has become a fairy tale. Being present and capturing these moments is something that shouldn't be overlooked. 

5. The concept that sets us apart from other products is the functionality of the product. The product allows the administrator to block and unblock as freely as possible. The touchscreen allows you to choose how many devices you want to block. The product still will enable messages and calls to be received, just without notifications (meaning it is 100% still functioning). Lastly, this product gives all parties the choice to use it. 

In a reflection of all these qualities, I believe the most challenging issue that will come will be the cost. The cost of research, development, marketing, distribution, etc. I think there are no other products out there with a vision like this. We are focused on bettering the future, strengthening our connection, and bringing us all a bit closer. Mobile devices were once used to cut down on the time of communication required from writing letters. Unfortunately, the advances have come so far that people can now be ten different places with 100 different people, but not be mentally present where they physically are. This product will change how we do life with those around us, from family to work to school. 

10A – Elevator Pitch 1

Campfire-
The product that blocks radio signal from registered phones in a 10m radius.

Product slogan- "Stop being everywhere and just be there."

https://youtu.be/DGE3t5chPzM

9A – Testing the Hypothesis, Part 2

Opportunity- Adding roundabouts instead of lighted intersections

Interview 1: Pepsi Delivery Driver
When discussing how this individual felt about an addition of roundabouts along his route, he was actually not too fond of the idea. I did take the time to explain the benefits to the flow of traffic and even hinted to the idea that his travel for deliveries may be more efficient as less time would be wasted waiting for lights, but he didn't see it that way. His biggest focus way the amount of time that would be lost during the construction period. The need for finding different routes and some businesses had limited access to them currently, so disturbing this flow in any way would drastically effect the business.

Interview 2: Track Coach
When addressing the roundabout topic, the coach was particularly pleased with more lighted intersections being taken down as his main concern was the safety of the people in the cross walk. He explained that many drivers try to make the light when it is approaching or on red and this is a dangerous period as pedestrians may begin to cross. As he is someone working with the youth, he worries that distracted kids would enter the crosswalk, distracted by their phones or music and may be hit. Generally there aren't cross walks where cars are entering and exiting a roundabout and there are usually specific areas for pedestrians to cross that may be a bit safer.

Interview 3: Nurse
This individual liked the idea of the roundabout as she believed it kept cars moving. Especially at a hospital, there can be many cars coming in and out of the different buildings and to prevent traffic and to also get patients to their destinations quicker, she believed the roundabouts would be very beneficial. Additionally, she claimed there would be a large benefit for her night commute as she wouldn't have to wait for the timed lights at the end of her shift. Allowing her to return home quicker.

Interview 4: Property Manager
This individual believed the trend of the roundabouts are picking up and can be good for traffic flow in all size cities. As he is working in Gainesville, he believes there is a very bad ratio with the size of the city and the amount of cars. This causes him to miss many lights and have heavy traffic periods throughout the day due to so many cars. He stated that regardless of the speed, if there was a solution to keep traffic moving so he was just sitting on Archer or over by the mall at certain times of the day, then he would feel much better. He also believed that people tend to get on their phones when they are sitting at traffic lights and this distraction slows up traffic even more.

Interview 5: Massage Therapist
This individual is seldom on the road and splits her time between biking or driving to work. When biking to work, she finds that the roundabouts actually make her commute more difficult as she feels almost pushed aside or not respected on the road. When she is in a car, she finds that other drivers don't know which direction to look and make bad judgment calls, occasionally resulting in accidents. She is a bit split between how beneficial roundabouts truly are as she has been on both sides of the argument.

Inside the Boundary
1. Track Coach
Safe crossing options for kids
Too many distracted pedestrians (ex.Pokemon Go App)
https://www.santamarialaw.net/pokemon-go-mobile-game-causing-distracted-walking-accidents.html

2. Nurse
Helps keep traffic moving between buildings
Traffic may impede on someone who may need assistance in a timely manner.

3. Property Manager
Need to be able to get across the city to manage properties
Finds himself wasting large portions of the day in traffic

Outside the Boundary
1. Pepsi Driver
Greater time lost due to the construction of the roundabout
Worries if change will be significant enough to be worth the construction

2. Massage Therapist
Greater risks when commuting on a bicycle and not enough education on right-of-way
Lack of driving etiquette and education amongst drivers

8A-Solving the Problem

With the opportunity being the lack of roundabouts being implemented in most roads and intersections throughout the United States, the solution for this problem would be the construction of these roundabouts in existing stoplight intersections. 

When reflecting on the interviews conducted, the one issue everyone pondered on was the cost comparison of the two options. Since the assignment, I researched this topic to discover evidence suggesting the cost comparison and how the roundabout is a better solution in the long run. Another issue which is brought up in the article presented by the Washington State Department of Transportation is the benefit of the roundabout during power outages. As roundabouts don't rely on electricity, traffic can continue to flow as usual. As opposed to a stop light which will require the presence of a traffic officer and an electrician to rush over and fix the light. These emergency work hours are additional cost the current electrical cost to run the stop lights. 

The article additional discusses the safety benefits of the roundabouts and how the severity of injuries obtained in and around them are significantly less than stop lights as speeds are reduced due to the way traffic is conducted about roundabouts. 

Please refer to the article for additional supporting data concerning the opportunity. 

https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Safety/roundabouts/benefits.htm

As stated in the hypothesis, driving etiquette concerning roundabouts would have to be introduced in the testing of obtaining a driver's license. But having roundabouts played strategically in every city could be a useful solution in driving safety and efficiency. 

How to use a round-about tutorial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCXtcXD17qU

7A- Testing the Hypothesis

Why have roundabouts taken so long to be implemented in cities across the US, when most of the world has identified and recognized the benefits to aiding traffic flow?

Who: Drivers in the US
What: Implementation of roundabouts across the nation
Why: Identified and recognized the benefits in aiding traffic flow

Step 1: Form the Hypothesis
Step 2: Find 5 participants
Step 3: Ensure testing pool provides enough variety- UK driver, Austrian driver, Barbados driver, US driver, Japanese driver
Step 4- Conduct Interview
Step 5- Gather information
Step 6- Analyze Data and find similarities and differences
Step 7- Write up summary

After reviewing the interviews, I discovered that the majority of the subjects living outside the US didn't understand why the US has not adopted the concept of the roundabouts. Every participant shared the "who" as it was present in all their countries. As turning right on red is illegal in these countries, most of the subjects believed the roundabout kept the traffic moving more consistently. The single subject (Austrian driver) who didn't agree with the adoption of the roundabout was as a result to her hesitation with rule changes on roads overall. Currently, in Austria, several cities are attempting to test out the idea of drivers turning on red. As this contradicts with how driving has always been conducted, the majority of older drivers are having a difficult time understanding why the change is necessary. The trial will go on for a year before any further decisions are made, but this issue helped her understand the thinking behind the US driving system. If implementing these roundabouts is difficult for people to grasp because it's not what they are used to, then it may cause more damage than help.

Another issue that came up was the development cost of the building and maintaining the roundabout. No one was particularly sure what the price was to build or sustain a roundabout compared to a stop light. The stoplight needs constant electricity but roundabouts can have unique features in the middle (statue or lights), and these may not be cheap either.

Another point that was introduced was the difference between timed lights and the set ones. Roundabouts allow the driver to continue moving if no other car is present.

Lastly, everyone agreed that if roundabouts were going to be put in, then the topic should be discussed when getting the drivers test. To keep a steady flow, drivers must enter and exit correctly. Signaling at the right time is critical to let oncoming drivers know when and if it is safe to enter. This thinking means the DMV would need to take roundabout training into their test to ensure every driver understands how to use the new addition.

I gathered several things from the interviewers after conducting these interviews. International drivers heavily inquire why roundabouts are not more prominent in major cities after driving in their countries and throughout the US. As there are more cars on the road and traffic would be a significant factor, they believe the organization in charge of transportation would be researching methods to aid efficient traffic flow in and out of highly trafficked cities. With a majority of the world having roundabouts, why does the US continue to stick with the lighted intersections?