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.