Customer Interviews No. 1- Rachel Mead

My opportunity idea was to offer a service where students can sign into a study room and get paid for how long they study for. Of course, there would be requirements and rules but for the sake of brevity, I won’t go into detail. This service would meet the needs of the many students who find it difficult to allot their time appropriately between work and school. I asked my customers how often they study, what would motivate them to study more, and if they would utilize a service that pays them to study. After interviewing customers, I think my idea would be successful because some of the people I interviewed said they would study more if they were getting paid before I even asked if they would use a service that does exactly that. However, interviewing customers was pretty challenging. The part that made me the most nervous was waiting for a stranger’s agreement to participate. It made me realize that you can get rejected before you even present what you have to offer. 

Week 4 Reading Reflection- Rachel Mead

1)    What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations? 

     I really liked on page 138 the section about eliminating muddling mindsets. Although I think it’s important to be able to recognize design flaws and what not, if you focus on that too much it can really hinder the bigger picture from happening.

2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you. 

    I was confused when the author said “things and people exist in the world in relation 

    to other things and people.” I honestly have no clue what this means.

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why? 

    After reading this chapter, I would ask the author which type of creativity (relationship,       event, inner, spontaneous) seems to be the most common that people practice? On that     note, I would also want to know which of these is most successful?

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree         with what she or he said? How?

     I really disagreed with table 5.2 in chapter 5. It specifies differences between adaptors          and innovators and says that Innovators questions basic assumptions but I feel that the       comments about adaptors are basic assumptions. I thought this chart did point out some       things that were correct but overall  was somewhat generalized. 

Top 5 World Problems- Rachel Mead

Top 5 Problems:
1. Global Warming- If we destroy our planet, we literally won't exist and this is why I think this is the most important issue.
2. Poverty- Living without the necessities (food, water, shelter) is no way to live
3. Depression and Suicide- No one should feel like life isn't worth living
4. Chronic Diseases and Illnesses- This can (not always) take away someone's ability to live life to the fullest.
5. Animal Cruelty- Animal lives matter too. If we continue to let populations become extinct, it ultimately affects the human race as well.

Top 5 Solutions:
1. Solution to Poverty: Offering products that donate money to organizations is the most implementable because this solution is already being practiced.
2. Solution for Chronic Disease: More fresh food options have already been offered and can continue to increase.
3. Solution to Self Image: Edit free magazines and campaigns are starting to become more popular and have a lot of encouragement.
4. Solution to Equality: Continuing to demand equality laws. This is already becoming more successful.
5. Solution for Depression and Suicide: Education on bullying and acceptance needs more programs and promotion.