WHATABOUTISM

Posted on by susan_paxton_ Posted in Event 1

Interactive: Mobile application development

21/01/2020

Today we were introduced to “PROBLEMS”

We had to write down some of our own personal problems and dive deeper into why we face these problems, what other issues can occur from this problem and if it effects others and how.

We had a discussion on these problems, in the class and came up with possible solutions (app related)

Identifying problems and solving them:

While having this loooong discussion about everyone problems I jotted down some ideas that popped into my head.

IDEA 1

( issue: being able to connect with your community about issues, anonymously)

My first idea is to create a platform where people can engage with their community to discuss mental health issues without having an identity. You will create an anonymous profile. This way you can discuss very personal/awkward/shocking conversations without the fear of exposing your identity. You will be able to “chat” to people who have the same struggles/issues as you and blog/post thoughts or questions in a public feed where people can anonymously comment and give feedback HOWEVER any post will be removed if it is inappropriate, shocking or reported

No one is aloud to diagnose on this app. This app will be an anonymous open support system.

THE PROBLEM

  • Who is experiencing the problem? In other words, who is your target user; who will be the focus of your problem statement?
    • 16yrs and older

  • What is the problem? Based on the observations you made during the empathize phase, what are the problems and pain-points that frequently came up? What task is the user trying to accomplish, and what’s standing in their way?
    • Being able to connect with your community about issues that effect your mental well-being, anonymously

  • Where does the problem present itself? In what space (physical or digital), situation or context is the user when they face this problem? Are there any other people involved?
    • This is a daily problem, physically, mentally and digitally and people are sometimes unaware that people in their community are facing the same issues. Thus this is an universal issue.

  • Why does it matter? Why is it important that this problem be solved? What value would a solution bring to the user, and to the business?
    • Solving this issue will help bring the community together without being able to judge someone on appearance. This will help people not feel alone, and give people the support that they need.

IDEA 2

( issue: retail waste )

Create an app where you can advertise, sell and buy second hand clothes. (look similar to Instagram)

THE PROBLEM

  • Who is experiencing the problem? In other words, who is your target user; who will be the focus of your problem statement?
    • 18 – 55 yrs

  • What is the problem? Based on the observations you made during the empathize phase, what are the problems and pain-points that frequently came up? What task is the user trying to accomplish, and what’s standing in their way?
    • People have clothes in perfect condition that doesn’t fit them or they just don’t wear it anymore.
    • “Textile production is one of the most polluting industries, producing 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) per year, which is more emissions than international flights and maritime shipping2. Over 60% of textiles are used in the clothing industry and a large proportions of clothing manufacturing occurs in China and India, countries which rely on coal-fuelled power plants, increasing the footprint of each garment. It has been stated that around 5% of total global emissions come from the fashion industry3.” (The Price of Fast Fashion, 2018) Access: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-017-0058-9
  • Where does the problem present itself? In what space (physical or digital), situation or context is the user when they face this problem? Are there any other people involved?
    • Physically this causes an issue in households and has an impact on the Climate crisis we are facing today.

  • Why does it matter? Why is it important that this problem be solved? What value would a solution bring to the user, and to the business?
    • Solving this issue will help people to afford clothes at a reasonable price.
    • It will lower the demand on new production of clothes
    • This will help the amount of clothing industry waste
    • This will be a small help to the environment

closety.co.za

IDEA 3

( issue: wasting time at the traffic department)

Create an app where you can do an eyetest, book your learners and drivers instead of going to the traffic department to fill in a form and then spend 3 hours in a queue just to hand in the form to receive a date when you can write the learners or do your drivers licence and then stand in another queue just to find out that you’ve failed your eyetest. The eyetest will make use of facial recognition to make sure its you and you don’t use someone else to do the eyetest for you.

THE PROBLEM

  • Who is experiencing the problem? In other words, who is your target user; who will be the focus of your problem statement?
    • 16 + yrs
  • Where does the problem present itself? In what space (physical or digital), situation or context is the user when they face this problem? Are there any other people involved?
    • Digital – they need to go more digital to create efficiency
    • The user in this case is in a frustrating situation and it creates unnecessary stress and inconvenience
  • Why does it matter? Why is it important that this problem be solved? What value would a solution bring to the user, and to the business?
    • Solving this issue will help the traffic department to be more efficient
    • It could possibly save money
    • Users will be able to apply for drivers/learners or do an eyetest from the comfort of their homes – saving a lot of time

IDEA 4

( issue: finding lift clubs near you )

Create an app where you can become part of a lift club

you will be asked to share A – your private location and then B – the location you want to be taken to. Location A is kept private but location B will help you identify lift clubs or people that also travel to location B after this it will show you different pickup points near you of people driving to location B.

THE PROBLEM

  • Who is experiencing the problem? In other words, who is your target user; who will be the focus of your problem statement?
    • Young, working adults
    • Students

  • What is the problem? Based on the observations you made during the empathize phase, what are the problems and pain-points that frequently came up? What task is the user trying to accomplish, and what’s standing in their way?
    • Traffic is a really big struggle in big cities because there are too many cars on the road
    • Public transport is not always very safe
    • Private public services like Uber can become pricey
    • Young adults/studnts can’t always afford to buy a car
    • Petrol prices have doubled over the last decade

https://www.businessinsider.co.za/south-african-petrol-price-the-past-year-fuel-taxes-price-of-fuel-2019-12

  • Where does the problem present itself? In what space (physical or digital), situation or context is the user when they face this problem? Are there any other people involved?
    • Physical – the user ends up having to find a way to get to their location. It can be frustration because finding a lift can be frustrating and the user feels like they are a burden
    • Public transport in South Africa can be dangerous
    • Users usually end up being late for work or classes because they need to be dependent on someone else or something else to get where they need to be

  • Why does it matter? Why is it important that this problem be solved? What value would a solution bring to the user, and to the business?
    • Solving this issue will help organize getting a lift better
    • It will lower the amount of cars on the road
    • It is more cost efficient
    • It is safer than public transport

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