Here's a quick product pitch that I made for a PM challenge:
Problem
Currently at UC Berkeley, students are now having a hard time finding a study space
as the only 24-hour building area on campus, the Student Learning Center, recently
faced cuts and now closes early in the afternoon.
Introducing OpenSeat
OpenSeat is a free-to-download mobile application that can use real-time location to
find the nearest open study space that’s right for the user. Using advanced search
options, the user is able to find public study spaces (library, university buildings,
café, small shops, etc.) that can include amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets,
allowance of food & drink, an indoor location, or even noise level. Each location
profile can show the location’s hours of operations and reviews from other users
along with other features that can help the user decide whether they’d want to study
there. In a scenario when the library is closed, a student can use OpenSeat to know
what nearest study space is open so they can continue to study and thrive in their
academics.
Another possible feature that can also be a part of OpenSeat is a user-inclusive
feature in which the user themselves can also offer a location. This, however, would
have a lot of drawbacks at the moment as there are a lot of risks in doing such a
feature, and a lack of motive to provide the for the user to do so (unless a reward
system is placed, but that itself is a more complex problem in terms of company
revenue).
How Can OpenSeat Make Money?
In regards to generating revenue, having a free-to-download app is vital in order to
gather up a strong following for the application, especially for the target population
(college students who are generally lacking in funds). By enticing college students
with a free application that can cater to their needs, we can use this opportunity to
gain revenue from businesses. By gathering this population, OpenSeat can gain
revenue by utilizing subtle in-app advertising. OpenSeat’s UI can allow ad space that
we can sell to businesses who would like to advertise their own products to college
students through OpenSeat. Local businesses can also pay for increasing the
visibility of their location when users try to find a study space. Other ways to gain
revenue would likely be to restrict some search options, and provide an “OpenSeat
Plus” option where users can pay to gain faster searches, more advance search
options, and other features that can entice the user themselves to pay for these
options (though they initially downloaded the application for free).
There are many ways that this application can go and I believe that an application
such as OpenSeat will allow for students have an easier time to find the right place
for them to work hard and study for their midterms (which leads to their academic
success).
