4A- Forming An Opportunity Belief

Problem: I believe that it is a problem that there is very minimal guest parking at my apartment. 

The unmet need in this situation is lack of parking for guests to visit. This affects residents of the apartment building, and friends of residents. This need came from the way the parking garage was constructed. This need has existed for residents as long as they have lived in the building. Nothing is being done to meet this need now and I do not believe anything will be done. A possible solution would be adding a floor to the parking garage for guests. The prototypical customer in this situation is the residents. 

First Interview: Shelby 

1.Do you experience the problem with parking often?

"Yes. The person that does my nails comes to my apartment and there have been times where we have had to reschedule because all of the 5 guest parking spots were taken. It is also frustrating when I want to have friends over because where are they supposed to park if there are no spots?"

2. How do you address this problem?

"I mean there really is not much that I can do besides hope a spot is available when I have a guest coming. I do not have a car so that also does not help. Sometimes if the parking hours are lifted, I will have my guest park at a nearby lot and walk to my building. I do not think the apartment is going to address the problem anytime soon.

3. Does the idea of adding another floor to the parking garage for guests sounds like a good solution?

"I think that sounds like a really great solution that would benefit all of the residents greatly. However, I unfortunately do not believe our complex will do that any time soon because it is so expensive."

Second Interview: Adia

1.Do you experience the problem with parking often?

"I do experience the parking problem often and it really bothers me. For how much we spend on rent each month to live here, I feel that we should at least have access to guest parking spots for our friends to visit. Many times I cannot have company over because the spots are all taken."

2. How do you address this problem?

"Sometimes my friends will take the bus to me because we have free bus access as students. This does not always work though because sometimes the bus routes don't come over by our complex."

3. Does the idea of adding another floor to the parking garage for guests sounds like a good solution?

"I think adding another floor to the garage would make this problem so much better. I would also like if we were each given a guest pass to use when we have company."

Third Interview: Darryl 

1.Do you experience the problem with parking often?

"Yes. I usually end up picking my friends up and dropping them back off after we hang out. It is annoying because the traffic in Gainesville can get pretty bad and when you are taking your friends home often it can slow down your night. I definitely wish we had more spots available for guests."

2. How do you address this problem?

"There really is not much I can do besides like I said before pick my friends up and drop them back off later. It is really inconvenient for residents and I think the issue should be confronted by the management."

3. Does the idea of adding another floor to the parking garage for guests sounds like a good solution?

"I think that would work really well as far as allowing residents to bring guests. However I doubt that just one top floor will be enough for every resident. I feel the top floor would fill up quickly. It would be a big step up from what we have now- a measly 5 guest spots."

Reflect

I learned that I am not the only one who is affected by this problem. I had already assumed that other residents were having the same issue with guest parking but upon interviewing other residents I knew for sure I wasn't alone. Darryl often has to go pick up his friends and drive them back in the heavy Gainesville traffic. I understand Darryl on this issue because I often have to do that as well. The most surprising thing I learned about my opportunity was when Shelby told me she'd often have to reschedule her nail appointments because there was not anywhere the woman could park her car.

Summarize

My belief did not change. I still believe the guest parking at my apartment complex is a problem that is shared by all the residents. I do believe entrepreneurs should adapt their opportunities based on costumer feedback, However the people I interviewed agreed that the problem was a problem, and each shared their own experiences with the lack of guest parking.