Forming an Opportunity Belief

Assignment 4A: Forming an Opportunity Belief

Introduction :

Belief : 24/7 Newell Hall does not have enough studying space. 

I believe that there is an unmet need for enough studying space at Newell Hall at the University of Florida. Recently, Newell Hall was renovated to be a 24/7 studying space for students to collaborate. Though, most students would like to gravitate towards Newell due to its 24/7 feature, they are unable to because of the lack of studying space. Therefore, students are limited to study in the libraries, which usually have fluctuating hours. I believe that there is an opportunity for UF to open up current libraries to operate 24/7 so that there is more available space at Newell Hall.

Interview 1:

1^st year UF student

1.     Have you studied at Newell Hall?

Ø  “Yes “

2.     Do you feel that there are enough studying spaces at Newell Hall? If not, how often do you experience this?

Ø  “Yes, I feel that there are enough studying spaces at Newell Hall. This is probably because I usually go in the morning so there are plenty of spaces available. I like the how quiet it is at Newell Hall. “

3.     How do you feel about Newell Hall being 24/7?

Ø  “I do not really care for it, because I only go to Newell in the morning. I do not utilize that feature anyway.”

4.     Which space do you use more often Newell Hall or the libraries?

Ø  “I would say that it is still split even between the two. I honestly just go to whichever location I am closest to.”

5.     Do you think that if the libraries were opened 24/7, it would allow more available space for students at Newell Hall? If so, will it be beneficial?

Ø  “Yeah, I am sure because there will be more available space for students to study 24/7 instead of just at Newell Hall. It honestly would not affect me either way.”

Reflection: Prototypical customer 1 seemed unbothered about the unmet need at Newell Hall. It was interesting to see that he avoided running into that problem by coming to Newell Hall earlier during the day instead during busy hours. It made realize that a student can fix his/her own schedule to accommodate for the limited space at Newell.

Interview 2:

4^th year UF student

1.     Have you studied at Newell Hall?

Ø  “Yeah once, and never again. I usually study at evening time and when I went to study, I had a hard time finding a place to study. As a fourth-year student, I am just trying to graduate at this point, I do not like to waste most of my studying time just looking for a space to study “

2.     How do you feel that there are enough studying spaces at Newell Hall? If not how often do you experience this?

Ø  “No, I most definitely do not feel that there are enough studying spaces at Newell Hall. I feel like if a space is meant to be a studying place, it should have enough studying spots for students. Obviously, I do not experience this often because I try to avoid going to Newell Hall.”

3.      How do you feel about Newell Hall being 24/7?

Ø  “I think it is pointless because of the lack of space”

4.     Which space do you use more often: Newell Hall or the libraries?

Ø  “I use the libraries because of the space availability.

5.      Do you think that if the libraries were opened 24/7, it would allow more available space for students at UF? If so, will it be beneficial?

    Ø  “Since I am graduating this semester, it would not benefit me but for other students at UF who have a couple years left, I think this opportunity would definitely be beneficial. With the libraries being 24/7, student do not have to worry about heading over to Newell Hall and trying to find space. Library West and Marston have been 24/7 libraries before, they were perfect for us. “

Reflection: Prototypical Customer 2 seemed very concern about this unmet need especially as a fourth-year student. Comparing her to Prototypical Customer 1, I feel like the year differences might explains the different opinions. Being a senior, she has experience the benefits of having 24/7 libraries available, whereas Prototypical Customer 1 has not.  

Interview 3:

2^nd year, Santa Fe student

1.     Have you studied at Newell Hall?

Ø  “Yes, but not often because I am a Santa Fe student. “

2.     Do you feel that there are enough studying spaces at Newell Hall? If not how often do you experience this?

Ø  “It honestly depends on the time I go. Usually if I go early, then yes, I find enough space available to study. After most UF classes are over for the day, it is very difficult to find a space to study. I can definitely see how this can be a problem for students who study later in the day especially if it is the only time they can. “

3.     How do you feel about Newell Hall being 24/7?

Ø  “I think that it is cool, I normally do not stay that long on campus but if I did, I think that it would be beneficial. I would be concerned though with the limited space during later hours since it is normally pack then. So actually, I wonder if it would be beneficial? “

4.     Which space do you use more often: Newell Hall or the libraries?

Ø  “Probably Newell Hall”

5.     Do you think that if the libraries were opened 24/7, it would allow more available space for students at UF? If so, will it be beneficial?

Ø  “Most definitely, it would give students more options to find a space to study without wondering about rushing to find a space or the space closing at a certain time”

Reflection: Prototypical Customer 3 is a Santa Fe student and still feel the same about the unmet need. It is interesting and surprising to see that even a student not from the UF is aware of the situation. It makes me even realize how much of an impact this opportunity will have at UF.

 Summary: Though, I have realized that students have different experiences with Newell Hall, most agree that this opportunity would be beneficial for students. Therefore, opening up the libraries 24/7 would alleviate the stress on students to hunt for a space. They have the opportunity to choose from multiple areas without changing location since they all will be 24/7.  Newell Hall is a great space for students to come and study but there is simply not enough space. After my interviews, my belief still stands. In general, entrepreneurs should strive to address the considers of their customers especially if it is agreed among the majority. I believe that taking suggestions from customers is a great way to see how to go about addressing their belief and replacing it with a better opportunity.  Entrepreneurs can list the pros and cons of those suggested opportunities then select an opportunity where the pros outweigh the cons. 

Picture taken from: google images