7A - Testing The Hypothesis, Part 1

People around UF that ride scooters, motorcycles, and bicycles are often extremely uncomfortable when temperatures drop below 50 ˚F – this problem is augmented due to wind chill.

I’m aiming at targeting a younger population, as most people over the age of 30 can afford proper cold-weather gear. Among the younger population, the primary focus would be UF students, with even more focus placed upon members of sororities and fraternities (as they are often the stereotypical person seen on a scooter). Among students, first years and new scooter owners are a large focus, as they are unlikely to have already purchased cold-weather gear. While this solution can be used for anyone on two wheels, it’s meant for scooter owners. The solution would focus on providing wind protection and possibly a thermal liner for the lower face, neck, and upper body, and hands. If the target population holds true, the solution must also be aesthetic and convenient to wear off scooters.

Interviews (random people from a few of my classes):

1) Carly – Scooter/Sorority
Carly is the student I got the idea for the solution from. She was sitting in class talking to a friend about how bad “scooting” in the morning was due to the cold and wind. The next class I asked her if she would buy a jacket specific to scooters that keeps her face, hands, and upper body warm while on her scooter. Her answer was a resounding yes, though she said it would have to be a great jacket, because she already had one jacket that simply doesn’t do the job.

2) Nick – Bicycle/Fraternity 

Nick is pretty content with his “equipment” for cold weather riding. While he admitted that he does get cold sometimes, he doesn’t think a jacket would change much. He also made a point to mention that he would rather buy gloves and a neck gaiter than get a 3-in-1 jacket.

3) Ciara – Scooter/No Sorority
Ciara really liked the idea of a way to stay warm on her scooter while going to class in the mornings. She also thought a number of other girls in her sorority would like a similar product, especially if they could put their letters on them. She made the point that the jackets would need to be relatively fashionable, and that she would like to see colors that compliment scooters.

4) Steve – Scooter/Fraternity
Steve said he was willing to pay a lot for a UF scooter jacket that actually solved his cold morning “scoots.” His only concern was the quality of the jacket and the warmth factor, saying that he needs a jacket that’s actually warmer than what he already has. Thought the lettering could be cool for his frat, but wouldn’t buy the jacket for that reason.

5) Nash – Bicycle/No Fraternity
Nash was the most skeptical of all the people I interviewed. He wasn’t sure that a jacket with a hood and gloves would make a big difference. I think that he (and others like him) would need to see a significant number of other people using the jacket and being satisfied before he even thinks about purchasing one.

Overall, I found that most people were intrigued by the idea of a better jacket – most were even willing to pay a decent amount for it – but they all said they would like to see the quality of the jacket as well as effectiveness before they would commit to paying over $40.