Forming An Opportunity Belief

I find that during very hot days, when I’m walking in between classes, I crave a drink to quench my thirst. The majority of water fountains within the University of Florida are placed inside buildings, which is out of the way when I’m walking outside. There should be water fountains placed throughout the outdoor portion of the campus.

This unmet need affects everyone that walks around the university campus. The need has existed for a while, from my first day on campus in 2017 until now, I have never seen a water fountain outside a building. Currently, the most common way people deal with this problem is by bringing water bottles or buying drinks from vending machines. I do not see this as a solution, rather a compromise; people still need to go into buildings to use vending machines or to refill their bottles. Currently I am 90% sure that this opportunity exists.

Interviews:

Student 1: Tristian

How often do you walk around the outdoor portion of campus?

“Almost Everyday. I have classes in the afternoon every weekday.”

Do you ever find yourself thirsty while being outdoors?

“Yea, especially in the afternoon while the sun is out.”

How often do you feel thirsty while outside?

“I don’t have a specific number, but I’m thirsty while walking from class to class”

Have you ever been really thirsty and not had anything to drink and how often does this happen?

“Yes, but not too often”

Do you carry around a water bottle or any drinks?

“Yes, I have a refillable bottle in by bag”

How often do you usually fill up your water bottle and where do you fill it up (if you carry a water bottle around)?

“I usually try to refill it after every class… I just look for a water fountain around the class”

Do you feel that having water fountains in outdoor areas would benefit you?

“Yes, if i ever forget my bottle or forget to refill it, that’d be useful”

Student 2: Jhon

How often do you walk around the outdoor portion of campus?

“A lot, like all the time.”

Do you ever find yourself thirsty while being outdoors?

“Yes, i guess.”

How often do you feel thirsty while outside?

“Not that much, I usually don’t even drink that much water.”

Have you ever been really thirsty and not had anything to drink and how often does this happen?

“Yea, but it rarely happens.”

Do you carry around a water bottle or any drinks?

“Nah.”

How often do you usually fill up your water bottle and where do you fill it up (if you carry a water bottle around)?

Not Applicable

Do you feel that having water fountains in outdoor areas would benefit you?

“Yea, but I probably wouldn’t use them that often.”

Student 3: Joanna

How often do you walk around the outdoor portion of campus?

“Often, to and fro class everyday.”

Do you ever find yourself thirsty while being outdoors?

“Yes.”

How often do you feel thirsty while outside?

“Almost always.”

Have you ever been really thirsty and not had anything to drink and how often does this happen?

“I guess, pretty often.”

Do you carry around a water bottle or any drinks?

“Yes, I have a pink clinique bottle.”

How often do you usually fill up your water bottle and where do you fill it up (if you carry a water bottle around)?

“Once a day, in my dorm.”

Do you feel that having water fountains in outdoor areas would benefit you?

“Yes, i would be less dehydrated.”

Reflection: 

What I learned was that most people, unlike me, carry around water bottles. Only one other student did not carry around a water bottle. The most surprising thing was that the majority of students I talked to didn’t really have the problem as often as I do.

Summary:

After interviewing possible customers I feel that the opportunity if definitely still there. The majority of students did not feel they had the problem often; however, they agree that having outdoor water fountains would benefit them. Having the ability to refill water bottles outside would be more convenient. Entrepreneurs should definitely adapt their ideas based on customer feedback. Ultimately, it is our goal as entrepreneurs to supply to the customers’ demand. Open mindedness provides insight that will help develop the opportunity.