Idea Generation

Holly Anderson

Sept.08/14

ARTG 480

Project Goodness

Overview

There are few ways to help those in need without going through a third party source e.g. Craig’s List, The Salvation Army or some other charity. The difficulty with this is that people may be uncertain about how their contributions are being given back to the community and it may be difficult for some people to access or know how to use the Internet. Goodness will offer a place to easily and personally give goods that may no longer have value to you, but could be worth a lot to someone else. Goodness will focus on improving local exchange, and redistributing goods and services while installing a sense of community. The core idea of the project is to have a centralized place where people, mainly the homeless or low-income families, will be able to easily access the contributions available to them. Goodness will also send the message that it is an eco friendly way to get rid of unwanted goods.

The problem

There is no way to directly connect the people who want to help, give, and share goods with the people in need.

Objectives

-        Create a place that has both a strong sense of community and a comfortable image

-        Connect people wanting to give directly to those in need

-        Motivate people by making them feel good about giving/donating or volunteering

-        Encourage sustainability by making it easier to give your excess to the people who need it and keeping useable items out of the landfill

-        Inspire engagement and communication within the community

-        Help people in need easily find free goods and services

Audience

Men and women in the local community, middle class to upper class, ages 25-60, who want to give donations directly to those in need. These supporters will be people who want to donate items and services because:

-       It makes them feel connected to other people and they are making a difference

-       They have an excess of something that they no longer need

-       They have a environmental conscious and don’t want throw things away

-       They want to have a good image for themselves our their company

-       They feel fortunate (or guilty) and want to give something back to others

-       They want to be seen as a leader/role model

Also men and women roughly ages 18-60 who are below the poverty line, or have some sort of mental health, disability or substance abuse problem and cant afford the housing, food or the necessary items that they need. These people may just be down on their luck or living paycheck to paycheck.

Key Message

Giving back is a way of creating community, gaining new perspective and developing personal growth. It also a way to help reduce you’re carbon footprint.

Current Perception

There are many thriving classifieds on line where people can post items for free. There are also charities and places where you can donate your unwanted goods. From the success of these places, it is clear that people don’t have an issue with giving away things for free and enjoy the idea that it will go to good use.

Desired response

The desired response for this project is for people to feel good about giving to those in need by directly seeing the impacts of their efforts. When people donate they should feel that it is easy to use and at no extra hassle to them. The project should also send the message that it is environmentally friendly to donate goods and keep them out of the landfill. The people taking advantage of the service should feel welcomed and comfortable.

Creative Considerations

-       Make people feel welcome and comfortable

-       Triangulation

-       Protecting the monitors

-       Promote sustainability

-       Privacy

-       How people will receive their items

Description of Deliverables

Solution One – Touch Screen Monitor App

Locally situated, large touch screen monitors will be placed downtown in informational kiosks where people can access all of the things that the community and people have to offer to them. Od jobs, food, events, clothing etc.

Solution Two – Kiosk

Informational kiosks will provide a protection for the monitors; offer the use of a telephone, provide information to the public about how to get involved and act as a meeting place to exchange goods.

Solution Three – Website

The monitors “app” will be updated by pulling data from a website where people and businesses can post their free goods or what they have to offer. The site will also offer information and opportunities to volunteer.

Solution Four – Print Campaign

Karma point cards can be passed around to people who are witnessed doing something honorable or kind for another person. The cards will thank the kind person and direct them to the website.

Solution Five – Logo

A logo will be needed to help givers and receivers identify Goodness in a quick and symbolic way. As well as communicate the mission to the public.

References:

www.straight.com

tricitieshomelessness.ca

www.fundraising123.org

www.homelesshub.ca

http://thehomelessguy.blogspot.ca/