What's Next

Existing Market. 

Step 1: Talk about what you think is what's next. You may rely on your analyses from "The Amazon Whisperer" exercise (when you discussed what product you thought might come next.)

            The next product I plan to offer is a waterproof detachable radio that can be put in an arm band so the lifeguards on the rescue can communicate directly with their supervisors.  This will help to relay the status of the rescue such as the number of victims, when contact is made, and when the scene is clear.  This product will help to relay valuable and specific information about the rescue.  It improves the experience for the lifeguard as lifeguards on shore are no longer responsible for relaying specific information about the status of the rescue and the victims.  It furthers customer loyalty by improving safety measures at the beach. I would be using a waterproof detachable radio and put it inside an arm band.  In order to operate the lifeguard would still have to press the open communication button to relay information.

Step 2: Interviews.  What should we be doing that we aren't planning to do?

Step 3: Based on your own expectations and the feedback you received from customers, set a path for the future. In two to three paragraphs, describe what makes the most sense for your venture in terms of growing in your existing market.

            After receiving input from interviewing three customers who are already a part of my current market, I plan to adapt my current venture to add more optional features to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the drone.  I think the addition of a GPS tracker accessory is a great improvement as it would help with locating the drone if it crashes or sinks during use from strong winds.  I also have added features from past interviews like cameras for detecting sharks or other dangers and speakers that can be used for relaying communication from the shore to the victims in the water. 

I would be introducing the first full-time use of the lifeguarding drone in the US.  The lifeguarding drone has been used in other countries like Spain and Chile.  These countries have seen a significant reduction in the number of drownings since introducing the use of a lifeguarding drone in addition to lifeguards during rescues.  I would need to focus on using equipment and parts for the drone that would be durable and able to withstand the high concentration of salt and sand while at the beach.

  

New Market.

     The feedback from individuals in this new market helped me to look at my product in a different view.  For example, Kaitlyn used her engineering knowledge to focus more specifically on the types of products and materials that should be used into making a light-weight and durable product.  She suggested I use fiberglass to prevent rust from the salt water and salty air.  Additionally, David suggested I modify my approach to make smaller models to cover smaller areas of space like for a lake or pool.  I plan to adapt my product to accommodate three different size models.  The largest model will be able to travel up to a 10-mile radius!

     These lifeguarding drones are remote control operated and release a deployable flotation device for the victim to grab onto until a lifeguard can reach the victim and help him/her swim to shore.  The drones will also be equipped with cameras to help with locating the victim in the water as well as look for sharks and other potential dangerous hazards in the water.  The use of drones cuts down on the time it takes to reach the victim with a flotation device, ultimately leading to less drownings and deaths.