I have been unable to complete the last few assignments due to some personal complications. Therefore, I will briefly state my idea and then start with the Idea Napkin assignment.
Idea: An app which prevents you from drunk texting. We've all had those nights out at the bar where we end up texting or calling someone we should not have. We wake up thinking "oh no" or "what have I done?" This app called "No Text Ex" will allow you to temporarily block a select number of contacts in your phone while going out to enjoy a night out on the town. The next day you will be able to unblock the contacts and no harm done. This app will prevent embarrassing messages/ calls to bosses, exes, and anyone else you do not need to be contacting at 2am.
Idea Napkin No. 1:
1) If to pursue this app, I would see it more as a side job. I do not see it as consuming a large portion of my time. However, as a college student and being around so many others, I believe people would find this app to fulfill a need. I cannot say the number of times I have been out with friends and they end up calling or texting someone they would not have in a sober state of mind. I think there is an underlying need for this among the age of group of 21 to 35.
2) "No Text Ex" would be an application that allows people to block a select number of contacts in their phone while they go out for the night. The numbers are essentially deleted from the phone for the duration of the night. In the morning, the user has the ability to unblock the numbers and the contacts reappear in the phone as if they never left. During the night, the app detects the time and does not allow the contacts to be unblocked before 6am the following morning. The app will help prevent those embarrassing texts that sometimes get sent under the influence of alcohol. No longer will people have to accidently text their boss, ex-boyfriend. ex-girlfriend, or anyone else they should not have.
3)My app would target the younger generation. Anyone from age 21 - 35 years old. This is the primary time when people start dating and realtionships do and don't work out. This also the time when people are more likely to go out to bars and drink more heavily. College students would be a large portion of the target market.
4) Everyone you know probably has an iPhone or Android (some sort of smart phone). We take our phones everywhere with us. A study done by Baylor University reported that college students spent an average of 10 hours a day on their phones and reported the used texting more than any other app (http://www.sfgate.com/health/article/College-students-spending-hours-daily-on-5745673.php). Your 20s are a time of new experiences. College brings a whole new pool of people into your life. Many people find the person they end up marrying in college. But there are also serveral relationships that do not always work out. When under the influence of alcohol, some people feel the need to try and reconnect with their ex; regretting that decision in the morning. Other people may be out of college and/or are starting their careers in the world are still in that dating stage of their life. They may be in the same boat. Sometimes accidental texts can be sent while drunk. We've all heard stories of someone accidently texting their boss or a co-worker they did not mean to. "No Text Ex" prevents all of that.
5) "No Text Ex" is different because it temporily removes these contacts for the entire duration of the night. There is no way to change your mind and unblock them at 1am. I do not believe everyone will admit to their mistakes and use the app to prevent drunk texting. But, advertising the ability to do so to the targeted market will appeal to some people and end up preventing some unwanting circumstances.
I think these elements all fit together pretty nicely. I'm looking forward to hearing everyones' opinions.
Alden,
ReplyDeleteI think this is an excellent idea and has the potential to spare a lot of embarrassment and regret. People who are inebriated make many regrettable mistakes and this could help prevent some of those. I wish there was an app to help prevent drinking and driving as well. In your case I think it has potential to make an impact within your target audience and you should proceed and see where it goes. Since this app requires a little forethought to set the contacts before going out, I would ask what about the people who start drinking in the confines of their home and forget to activate the app or get inebriated at home then go out? Other than that I think it's an excellent idea. Great job.
Alden,
ReplyDeleteI think this is a clever idea, and I would say the majority of us have had an experience with this. We all know we should not have that persons number in our contact list, but keep it there anyways and events like you have described happen. It seems like you are targeting the "EX" market with the name of your app. Do you think it would deter individuals who are in their professional part of life and would like to use something like this to block their bosses number for the night from using it because of the night? Otherwise, I like the idea.
Aiden,
ReplyDeleteI love this Idea I think its both practical and a good laugh. I can attest to not making the best decisions when I am intoxicated. I think the app to block people you don't want to text would have helped in many situations. I think your project would appeal to mainly the younger crowd though and thats okay. I think since it appeals to only the younger crowd you should focus on them as your main audience.