4A – Forming An Opportunity Belief

I believe there is an unmet need with cooling people down as they commute between point A and point B, while being outside in the intense heat of summer or any other time the temperature is high. There is a need to cool down people while they are walking outside by using simple quick open canopies and cool misting fans. The potential customers are anyone that must walk to class, work, etc. or is outside for more than three minutes. This need is as old as the earth itself, however, due to climate change it will only get worse. people meet this need now by staying inside, wearing less clothing, or taking a vehicle to their destinations. I am 95% sure that this need exists

Interview 1 Sophomore Business management major: What do you think of the heat around campus? Its way to hot, and with all this foot traffic it’s hard to getting places before I start sweating. When do you realize how hot it is, and are you always hot? It’s the second I walk outside, especially after being inside with the AC. I mean in Florida it is usually hot, but there are times in like fall and winter where I actually wear jacket and enjoy being outside. How long have you been experiencing this type of heat for? I mean I've lived in Florida my whole life, so forever.  When did you start getting bothered by the heat? When I was younger, I did not really notice but as I got older playing sports, especially now that I live on campus, I have to walk everywhere, and it sucks. How do you currently stay cool while outside? Hats, sunglasses, tank tops, and I've been drinking a lot of water because it is so easy to sweat out here. Are you happy with this solution? I am not completely satisfied but it gets the job done. How would you feel about canopies and misting fans periodically around campus? I would like that, but it sounds like it’s too much money, but I would really appreciate it, because it is just an easy way to cool off.  

Reflection: after interviewing him, he really liked the idea and even talked with me about the logistics and how the whole system could be set up.

interview 2 Freshman psychology major: What do you think of the heat around campus? It’s too hot it makes me sweat, like in fall and summer its scorching and I want to die. When do you realize how hot it is, and are you always hot? Its normally only unbearable after like 10 am but before that I can handle it and do not notice it too much. How long have you been experiencing this type of heat for?  My whole life because I have always lived in Florida, but I am still affected by it. When did you start getting bothered by the heat? ha-ha its funny that you say that because my mom has always told me I hated being outside as a baby, but I don't know if it was from the heat. How do you currently stay cool while outside? My hair is always in a ponytail and I drink water. Are you happy with this solution? No of course not, I wish I had an air conditioner follow me around. How would you feel about canopies and misting fans periodically around campus? Yeah, I think that would be a good way to cool down, definitely a way to get me to go study outside more.

Reflection: Getting a girl’s perspective versus a guys seemed similar yet it seemed that freshman girl was more bothered by the heat that interview 1.

interview 3 Freshman political science major: What do you think of the heat around campus? compared to home, it is the worst heat I have ever experienced. When do you realize how hot it is, and are you always hot? I usually feel it the second I step outside and anytime I’m outside and since I have been here, I have been hot anytime I’m outside. How long have you been experiencing this type of heat for? only for a few weeks, I am from Canada and even this time of year it is pretty chilly. When did you start getting bothered by the heat? I don’t really know, I came here to escape the cold, but it has been pretty bad so far. How do you currently stay cool while outside? I’ve been going to the pool a lot and usually wear shorts and a tank top. Are you happy with this solution? Yeah, I love going to the pool, its different when I’m out there. How would you feel about canopies and misting fans periodically around campus? Yeah, I would like that, but I feel like mist would get annoying if it is always spraying my face.

Reflection: This student is from Alaska and was great to see the reaction of someone not from south Florida

summary: My 95% confidence is still at that level. I think that after talking to these students that the idea is still solid, but that logistics comment kept that 5% from going to 100%. The more I have talked about my need; I feel like the idea has matured in my brain. I think with more planning along with logistical work this could happen. With cancel culture being prominent I think it’s better to stay firm with a few degrees of change, Chic fila is a perfect example.