4A-Forming an Opportunity Belief

Beginning Point/My belief- I live in a beautiful gated community with lots of green space where people walk their dogs on a regular basis. Although the set up of the community itself is an amazing place for pet owners due to the size and layout of the green areas, there is a problem with cleanliness because some residents do not pick up after their pet. This results in unhygienic conditions that make it difficult to walk on the grass without the fear of stepping on dog feces. According to petfinder.com, animal waste can be detrimental to the nearby water sources such as lakes due to excess nitrogen which depletes oxygen in the water. It also carries harmful bacteria and microorganisms that can cause illness in both humans and dogs. 

Pet owners are not the only ones affected by this issue. People who like to walk and exercise around the community as well as those with children that like to play outside can also experience the consequences of the problem. Because everyone in the community can see themselves affected, I believe there is a 90% chance an opportunity exists for a solution. 

I believe a good solution to this problem is to enforce the rules already set in place and fine people who do not pick up after their pet. Placing cameras strategically in places where the problem is concentrated and training security guards to spot when owners walk away without cleaning their dog's waste will create the cash necessary to invest in maintaining clean green areas where people can feel comfortable walking. 

Iteration No. 1- Middle aged pet owner, homeowner. 

• Do you think there is an issue to be addressed when it comes to the cleanliness of the community's green spaces? Sometimes there is an issue with the smell of urine and waste more than the actual waste being visible. I do not think the issue is all that pressing, it's only an issue in certain areas. 
• When do you notice the issue the most? When I sit next to the community lake. It smells bad. 
• How long do you think this has been an issue in the community? It has gotten worse since they started leasing apartments. This used to be a home owner's place. 
• When did you first notice the issue? I just thought about it, I never really noticed much. 
• How do you currently handle the situation? I don't lay down on the grass. 
• What do you think the best solution to the problem is? Not allowing pets in the community. 

Iteration No. 2- 23 year-old pet owner, tenant. 

• Do you think there is an issue to be addressed when it comes to the cleanliness of the community's green spaces? Yes, it's disgusting that I can't walk my dog around without stepping on something. 
• When do you notice the issue the most? In the morning after everyone walks their dog. 
• How long do you think this has been an issue in the community? Ever since I've lived here, 5 years. 
• When did you first notice the issue? When I first got my dog 3 years ago.  
• How do you currently handle the situation? I am watchful and careful of where I step. 
• What do you think the best solution to the problem is? Install more doggy bag stations throughout the community and enforce fines for those who do not pick up after their dogs.

Iteration No. 3- 21 year-old pet owner, homeowner 

• Do you think there is an issue to be addressed when it comes to the cleanliness of the community's green spaces? I definitely think there is an issue that needs to be addressed.
• When do you notice the issue the most? When I started walking my dog on the grass.
• How long do you think this has been an issue in the community? Probably always, I just didn't notice much until recently. 
• When did you first notice the issue? *see above 
• How do you currently handle the situation? I am watchful and careful of where I step. 
• What do you think the best solution to the problem is? Install more doggy bag stations throughout the community and enforce fines for those who do not pick up after their dogs.

Reflection: It appears after the interviews that this issue is not obvious to the average resident who doesn't make frequent use of the green areas. Even so, people who use the green areas frequently have found ways to cope with the issue and be careful. 

Summary- I think since more people than I thought do not notice or think about the issue as much (whether they're not pet owners or don't frequent green spaces much), there might not be as much demand for change. Of course, most people prefer clean areas, so there is still opportunity, but the percentage is smaller.  

I do believe the new opportunity is more accurate. Getting feedback from those affected bring to light new perspectives and ways to solve the issue. I think it is essential for entrepreneurs to adapt their opportunities based on customer feedback. The purpose of entrepreneurship is to create solutions that work, and the solution depends on the problem and how it is perceived by those most affected.