Prototypical Customer #1: Mothers
This first interview worked to solidify my beliefs of this potential opportunity. In the interview with a mother to three children, she said when she lights candles, there's always a concern that lingers over her head about forgetting about it, or something else terrible happening. But she quickly said that it's not something that gives her nightmares. She understood how there is a slight opportunity here, but didn't think something needs to be fixed ASAP. I wasn't surprised by her responses, but we both agreed that if there was going to be a solution to this issue, it would have to be a little more complex than a little fan clipped on the side running on a timer waiting to blow the candle out.
Prototypical Customer #2: College kids
While interviewing a group of my friends, they said that when they use candles, they're using them more as "air fresheners" than anything else, and being able to burn them for long times is essential to combat the odors of college houses and apartments. We agreed that proper supervision over a candle might not be possible when burning a candle for long periods at a time. They also understood the concept and the root of the opportunity, but didn't see it as an overall big issue. They supplied some good insight as to why this has remained an issue. When the power goes out and everything else fails, if you have a candle and a way to make fire, you're in good shape. The candle has always been a last resort item for emergencies, so maybe it's best to leave this opportunity alone.
Prototypical Customer #3: Candle Shopper
In the candle section of the Wal-Mart right by my apartment, we asked a lady buying a few candles what she thought about our potential opportunity, and it was hard to get a differing view point. She also agreed that there is a potential issue, but she also questioned how useful a solution would be? She also asked by how much the number of home candles fires would drop per day, if there was a solution versus the 23 fires per day with no solution. She said she didn't really see it as a pressing opportunity.
The opportunity percentage dropped from about 30% to 5%. During the interviews, we all agreed that there is some sort of problem, but uncovered that there is a bunch of road blocks in the way of finding a solution -- or if it's even worth it or not. I don't think much of the opportunity exists anymore, but I think it's worth sticking to it with a little hope. This potential opportunity is more accurate now after the interviews and gaining insight, differing perspectives and adding substance to a loosely frame idea. I think customer feedback should be the backbone of most opportunities. Its important to stay firm to your values and concepts that you're pursing, but adapting to what is going to get your product into your customer's hands is the important part.
Hey Caelan,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your post, I agree with your belief and the reasons behind them. I am someone who loves to light candles and it would create so much convenience if you were able to light a candle without having to blow it out. Simply because of the damages that candles can cause, something like this would be great and would benefit so many different people from grandparents all the way to teens. Overall, great idea and something that can happen in the future.
Caelan,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post, because it seems to me that you went out of your comfort zone; first by sticking with a “weak” (30% confidence) opportunity, and second by cold-interviewing a stranger at a supermarket –I do not think I would have the nerve to do that. My only advice would be to stick with the idea a little longer. I would go back to the problem: candles that are left burning unattended. Did you consider solving the problem outside of the candle? For example, a candle holder –or a flask with a closable lid, with a timer (or an app, and even a camera, for what matters.) A reusable product could have in many form-factors and, in my opinion, would have a better chance of success. In any case, what I am trying to say is: be bold and do not give up yet. Think outside of the box and focus on the problem, not the candle.
Hi Caelan,
ReplyDeleteThis is a really good idea. I love lighting candles, but too, have a fear of forgetting to blow them out. Because of this, i often choose not to light them. I agree that with your research it would be very hard to execute. In place of lighting candles, I personally use an oil diffuser. These are so much safer than a burning candle. They also have wax burners that you can plug into the wall that are very similar to candles. I think there are already solutions to this problem!
Hey Caelan,
ReplyDeleteI'm also in the majority with this problem. I spend a good amount of money on candles or substitutes ever since I came to college. This issue of leaving the candle lit while I'm at class or for long periods of time is something that I've constantly been thinking about whenever I'm not present. I do think that there is a solution for this problem, however that alternative is pretty expensive so maybe you could try and find an economic alternative that doesn't cost me as much to purchase. I think this could be a way for you to combat the candle problem without reinventing the wheel.
Hey Caelan,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post! I thought it was a very interesting idea to have candles that go out on their own. Even though you did admit it was slightly unrealistic (at least at this point in time), it still shows that your entrepreneurial mind is at work and you are constantly thinking of new ideas. I also loved the people you chose to interview, because it was a great sample of different populations.