Customer Interviews No. 3

My strategy: Like Dr. Pryor's email suggested, I wrote down a short description of the service I am offering (If this is your first visit to my blog, my idea is Mid-Assist (MA), a set of school-sponsored vehicles that will take students from the mid-town to their off-campus dorm/apartment). I plan on asking UF students, primarily those that live off campus, their thoughts and opinions on MA. The questions I ask will be why they feel the way they do, and if they have any suggestions for improvement.

Note: I'm having some technology issues right now, so unfortunately I was unable to record the customer interviews I conducted. However, I have typed out my questions and their responses below.

Customer 1: Benson
What are your initial thoughts?
I think it's a really good idea because it's almost an exact opposite of what SNAP is, which is mostly on campus, so it doesn't necessarily help those that live off campus, so this is a good alternative.
Why do you feel this way?
I am an off-campus student so this would be more helpful for me than SNAP.
Do you have any suggestions for improvement?
There would have to be a way to make sure that people who are reserving a seat in the car are actually UF students. The app should be connected to Gatorlink, so that only UF students can go on. This is also a good idea because the University would be provided with a record of who take the car, which would be good if that information was needed. It could be an electronic alibi for students in case a situation came up where they needed one.

Customer 2: Bailey
What are your initial thoughts?
It's a good idea because besides buses, there's not really a way for people to get home safely. I mean, there's Uber and stuff but that can be expensive. There's definitely a need for it.
Why do you feel this way?
I'm not a frequent mid-town goer, but I remember freshman year when I used to go out and it was really difficult trying to figure out what buses to take or how to get back to my apartment, especially under the influence. It can be really confusing and it can be really dangerous if you don't have a good group of friends surrounding you. I think it would be helpful.
Do you have any suggestions for improvement?
I would suggest checking with places in mid-town to see if they're also busy on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. I also think that since it's through an app, users should have to make an account that comes with a form with their name, address, and an emergency contact. The car should also be able to tell people if something happens with the car so they know that their ride isn't coming any more.

Customer 3: Alec
What are your initial thoughts?
This is a good idea.
Why do you feel this way?
There's been a lot of robberies around campus lately, which could be from people that walk home from mid if it's too late. This would help those people.
Do you have any suggestions for improvement?
Students at UF who are responsible drivers could be allowed to drive the cars and be able to get paid.

Customer 4: Emily
What are your initial thoughts?
I feel that it's a good system. Kids that live off campus should be escorted to their apartments as well as on campus, which SNAP does not do.
Why do you feel this way?
I am an off-campus student and have had to walk home before from the mid-town area.
Do you have any suggestions for improvement?
There should be a phone number in addition to the app to be able to reserve a seat in the car. Also, if any drunk students happen to make a mess in the car (throw up, etc.) they would be liable to pay a fine.

Customer 5: Amanda
What are your initial thoughts?
I think this is a great idea. I go to mid a lot and it's always a hassle trying to get back to my apartment afterwards.
Why do you feel this way?
I live off-campus, so I can't use SNAP to go home after a night out. Having a way to get home that I know is safe and reliable would make the "going out" experience a lot easier to plan.
Do you have any suggestions for improvement?
I have friends that visit UF, so it would be nice if the cars could also take non-UF students home. Also, it would be nice if the cars could be booked for a certain time. When I lived on campus and had to use SNAP, it always took such a long time and it was annoying to have to wait.

After my third round of interviews (pats self on back) I think I have learned that while my idea is feasible and would solve a need in the market, it has some kinks to work out. I originally had thought of MA as somewhat of a nighttime route, with planned stops at mid and then circulation around certain areas. After talking to customers, I think that MA would work best as a premium service, where UF students will be charged a fee for a certain number of rides, and they will be taken directly to their dorm/apartment (non-UF students would need to pay for each individual ride, and would need to be accompanied by a current UF student). The rides would be booked through an app that will be connected to students' Gatorlink accounts. The car would offer students complimentary water, and have some snacks available for purchase.