Group 1_MED227_Opportunity Recognition Quiz

Opportunity Recognition

Identifying Problems Worth Solving

Context of the Problem

Picture a bustling metropolis, teeming with individuals frantically hurrying from one location to another, fixated on their screens, and consuming nutritionally deficient meals on the go. This city is emblematic of countless others worldwide, where the incidence of diabetes is escalating at an alarming rate, and multitudes remain uninformed of the measures they can undertake to sidestep it. The crux of the matter lies in inadequate education and awareness concerning diabetes prevention. A substantial proportion of people may remain oblivious to the fact that their deleterious lifestyle choices, such as consuming sugary beverages, ingesting processed foods, and leading sedentary lifestyles, can significantly augment their susceptibility to developing diabetes. Regrettably, we too may be unwitting about the impact our lifestyle preferences could have on our health. Despite the potential hazards, we continue to indulge in unhealthy snacks and devote extensive stretches of time idling in front of screens, with little regard for the potential consequences to our physical well-being.

What opportunity can you perceive from the above problem?

In the face of a world plagued by diabetes, we see an opportunity to make a difference. We envision creating an ice cream sandwich that not only delights the palate but also caters to health-conscious individuals. We plan to incorporate ingredients that promote wellness, such as natural sweeteners and high-fiber flour. By doing so, we aspire to carve a niche in the dessert industry and serve a growing demand for healthier options. Through this innovative approach, we aim to not only make a difference in people's lives but also establish a successful business. Our vision is to set a new standard in the dessert industry that inspires other businesses to follow suit. By offering a healthier alternative to traditional sugary treats, we aspire to contribute to a healthier world. We are passionate about this opportunity and are eager to become a trailblazer in the dessert industry.

Who are the Customers?

Health-Conscious Hannah

Busy Bob

Diabetic Dave

Dave is a 50-year-old man who has recently been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. He is looking for healthier alternatives to his favorite treats, such as ice cream sandwiches, that won't negatively impact his blood sugar levels. He wants to indulge in desserts without having to worry about his health.

Bob is a 40-year-old man who works long hours and often finds himself eating on the go. He wants to maintain a healthy diet but struggles to find convenient and tasty options. He is interested in snacks and desserts that can provide him with energy and nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

Health-Conscious Hannah is a stay-at-home parent who is passionate about health and wellness. She has always been interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but after becoming a parent, she became even more invested in ensuring her family's well-being. She is a knowledgeable consumer who takes the time to research the products she purchases.

What according to the customer are the main problems?

Health-Conscious Hannah's Pain Points

1. Limited Healthy Dessert Options: Hannah wants to provide her children with healthy snacks, but often struggles to find options that are both nutritious and appealing to her kids.
2. Concerns about Food Safety and Quality: As a health-conscious parent, Hannah is wary of processed foods and may have concerns about the safety and quality of some food products.

Busy Bob's Pain Points

1. Time constraints: Bob struggles to find time to prepare healthy desserts due to his busy schedule, leaving him with limited options.
2. Convenience: He finds it challenging to balance his work and personal life, making it difficult for him to find healthy dessert options that are both convenient and tasty.

Diabetic Dave's Pain Points

1. Limited dessert options: Dave has to be cautious about his sugar intake, which restricts his dessert options, leaving him with a limited selection.
2. Taste: He finds that most sugar-free desserts in the market lack taste and quality, making it challenging for him to satisfy his sweet tooth.

What is the job to be done?

The core job to be accomplished is to transform the dessert industry by introducing a groundbreaking and inventive ice cream sandwich that not only satiates customers' dessert cravings but also advances healthier dietary alternatives. By incorporating stevia and alternative flours rich in fiber, this dessert alternative strives to provide a low-sugar and low-glycemic index option, which is particularly relevant for health-conscious individuals and those at risk of diabetes. The ice cream sandwich with good-for-you ingredients endeavors to serve a niche audience, those who prioritize their health and strive to make mindful decisions about their dietary choices. By presenting a guilt-free and wholesome indulgence that supports their health objectives, this product aims to enhance customers' overall well-being and contribute to a healthier society.

What job is currently getting done?

At present, the prevailing job being fulfilled is to satiate the dessert cravings of consumers with conventional dessert offerings that often contain excessive sugar and other deleterious ingredients. These conventional dessert options enjoy extensive availability and cater to a wide-ranging demographic, but they may not be appropriate for health-conscious individuals or those who are predisposed to diabetes. Regrettably, the existing market inadequately attends to the demand for healthier dessert alternatives, leaving numerous individuals without gratifying options that align with their wellness objectives.

How is the customer getting the job done today OR how is the customer addressing this problem today?

Presently, customers are grappling with their insatiable desire for desserts and the dire need for healthier alternatives by resorting to the meager array of conventional dessert options existing in the market, even if these offerings are inundated with excessive amounts of sugar and other pernicious ingredients. Although some conscientious individuals may elect to concoct their own desserts using more nourishing components, this endeavor demands a substantial investment of time, exertion, and access to requisite ingredients and equipment. For those customers teetering on the precipice of diabetes or afflicted with health afflictions mandating scrupulous sugar monitoring, they might be compelled to abstain from desserts altogether or limit their consumption of conventional choices. This strategy often engenders a dearth of contentment in terms of fulfilling their dessert cravings and can foment a sense of deprivation. Therefore, there exists a noteworthy market void for a dessert option that is healthier and more accessible, catering to the demands of health-conscious individuals and those with specific health requirements.

Market Size

According to a report by Euromonitor International (2021), the packaged food market in the Philippines is projected to reach a value of PHP 1.87 trillion

(approximately USD 38 billion) by 2023. While it is difficult to estimate the exact market size for a low-sugar ice cream sandwich in the Philippines, the increasing demand for healthier food and beverage products suggests that there is a growing market for such products in the country. Moreover, the high prevalence of diabetes in the Philippines, with an estimated 3.5 million people living with the disease in 2019, highlights a significant population in the country that may be interested in a low-sugar dessert option. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the market size for a low-sugar, low-glycemic index ice cream sandwich in the Philippines could potentially be substantial, given the hypothesis that a significant portion of the population is health-conscious and actively seeking healthier dessert options.

Source: Euromonitor International. (2021). Packaged food in the Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.euromonitor.com/ready-meals-in-the-philippines/report

Undoubtedly, the problem of limited healthy dessert options and the lack of accessible low-sugar desserts for health-conscious individuals and those with specific health requirements is a matter of great importance that demands a prompt solution. The rising demand for healthier food and beverage products globally, including in the Philippines, signifies the gravity of the issue. With the increasing prevalence of diabetes and other health concerns related to excessive sugar consumption, the need for healthier dessert options is more crucial than ever before. Addressing this problem would cater to the needs of a large and growing market and ultimately lead to improved public health outcomes. Furthermore, the lack of healthy dessert options can result in feelings of deprivation and dissatisfaction among consumers, which can significantly impact their quality of life. A low-sugar, low-glycemic index ice cream sandwich that caters to the needs of health-conscious consumers can not only alleviate their concerns but also lead to increased revenue streams for businesses in the dessert industry. It is evident that developing a healthier and more accessible dessert option is not only crucial for the consumers' well-being but also for the growth and sustainability of businesses. Therefore, it is imperative that this problem is addressed through innovative solutions and products that meet the demands of consumers and enhance the dessert industry's overall growth.

Does this seem to be a problem worth solving? Explain

Opportunity Recognition

Design Thinking- UN SDG Alignment

Where did you observe the customers?

Health-Conscious Hannah

Busy Bob

Diabetic Dave

1. At the doctor's office, receiving regular check-ups and monitoring his condition.
2. At home, managing his medication, monitoring his blood sugar levels, and preparing diabetic-friendly meals.

1. At home, preparing healthy meals and snacks for her family or encouraging her children to eat healthy meals.
2. At a market, finding options for fresh and nutritious ingredients for her family's meals.

1. At work, managing his job responsibilities, and balancing his family obligations.
2. At a cafe or restaurant, grabbing a quick and healthy meal during his busy schedule.

Were the customers in the setting where they usually face this problem when you observed them?

Maintaining a healthy diet can be a challenge for Health-Conscious Hannah, Busy Bob, and Diabetic Dave when it comes to finding snacks that meet their specific dietary needs and preferences. For instance, Hannah may prefer protein-rich, low-sugar options while Bob might require snacks that are easy to consume on the go. Diabetic Dave may need snacks with low carbohydrate and sugar levels to manage his blood sugar levels. They may encounter this challenge at grocery stores, offices, or their houses, necessitating a thorough examination of nutrition labels and ingredient lists to select appropriate options. They could also explore alternative sources for healthier snacks, such as online retailers or specialized health food stores. Ultimately, finding tasty and healthy snack alternatives that align with their individual dietary restrictions requires a proactive approach and careful planning.

Did you talk to the customers?

Our identification of target customers, such as Health-Conscious Hannah, Busy Bob, and Diabetic Dave, is based on shared demographic and psychographic characteristics. These individuals prioritize health consciousness and seek out nutritious foods that accommodate their dietary restrictions and preferences. Our ability to empathize with these target customers comes from personal experiences, such as having a diabetic father that underscored the importance of diet management, recognizing the need for convenient snacks for a busy mother balancing multiple responsibilities, and learning about nutritious food options from a health-conscious aunt. By understanding the needs and preferences of these target customers, we can create products and services tailored to their specific requirements, helping them achieve their health and wellness objectives with ease.

What didyou observe?

These target customers exhibit distinct dietary preferences and requirements that strongly influence their food choices. They prioritize nutrition and are

highly attuned to foods that align with their dietary restrictions and preferences. Certain macronutrients, such as protein or carbohydrates, may take precedence over others, while certain ingredients, such as sugar or gluten, are often avoided. Given their busy lifestyles, these customers require snack options that are not only nutritious but also convenient and easy to consume while on the go. This necessitates innovative solutions that offer a balance of convenience and nutrition to meet their needs. Moreover, these customers demonstrate a strong inclination to read nutrition labels and scrutinize ingredients to ensure that the foods they consume meet their specific dietary requirements. They are open to trying new and innovative snack options that cater to their unique needs and preferences, allowing for greater variety in their snacking choices.

Is there any other job that the customer would want to get done?

While the primary job of Health-Conscious Hannah, Busy Bob, and Diabetic Dave when interacting with Frosty Oasis may be finding healthy and delicious snacks, they may also have other related jobs they want to get done. For example, Hannah may want to find recipes and meal ideas that incorporate Frosty Oasis snacks into her diet, Bob may want to learn more about the nutritional content and ingredients in Frosty Oasis products, and Diabetic Dave may want to access resources and information on managing his condition through diet and nutrition. By understanding these additional jobs that our customers may want to get done, we can provide them with a more holistic and comprehensive set of solutions that cater to their needs and preferences. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, as well as a greater impact on their overall health and wellness goals.

Certainly, Frosty Oasis Ice Cream Sandwich can consider offering a snack subscription service that delivers healthy and delicious snack options straight to the customer's doorstep. This would allow customers to access nutritious snack options easily and conveniently without having to constantly search for them in stores. This saves customers time and effort in searching for healthy snack options. Additionally, Frosty Oasis could offer personalized nutrition advice and consultation services to help customers meet their dietary needs and achieve their health and wellness goals. This would demonstrate a strong commitment to the customer's health and well-being and help build a loyal customer base.

Is there any other job that your product/service can do for the customer?

Based on the customers' profiles and Frosty Oasis' offerings, it is plausible that the brand addresses some of their pain points. Health-Conscious Parent Hannah may find it challenging to discover snacks that comply with her kids' dietary restrictions and preferences, but Frosty Oasis provides a variety of alternatives that cater to various dietary requirements. Busy Bob may encounter difficulties finding the time to prepare healthy snacks or meals, but Frosty Oasis offers quick, hassle-free options that require no preparation time. Moreover, Diabetic Dave may struggle to locate safe and delicious sweet treats, but Frosty Oasis offers sugar-free options that he can relish without compromising his health. While Frosty Oasis may not be able to solve all of the customers' problems, it seems to offer solutions for some of their pain points.

Do you think you can solve any of the customers’ problems?

Product Name

It incorporates the idea of a cool and refreshing summer treat, while also emphasizing the healthier aspect with the word "oasis" suggesting a retreat or escape from unhealthy dessert options.

Brief Product Description

Experience the refreshing taste of summer with Frosty Oasis, the ultimate healthy indulgence for beach bums! Our low-sugar, low-glycemic index ice cream sandwiches are crafted with the highest quality ingredients, ensuring a delicious and guilt-free treat that satisfies your sweet cravings. Indulge in the sweet and smooth taste of Beach Bum Maple, a combination of maple ice cream sandwiched between two wholesome oatmeal cookies. Or savor the rich and decadent flavor of Aloha Chocolate, made with our signature dark chocolate ice cream, and paired with crunchy chocolate chip cookies. And for those who prefer a classic taste, our Hang Loose Vanilla ice cream sandwich, made with creamy vanilla ice cream and buttery shortbread cookies, is a perfect choice. Our ice cream sandwiches are made with natural, high-quality ingredients and are free from artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and additives. So, whether you're lounging on the beach or taking a break from your busy day, Frosty Oasis is the ultimate guilt-free indulgence that will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied.

Category

Frosty Oasis can be categorized as a food and beverage business, specifically in the frozen dessert industry.

UN SDG Alignment

Frosty Oasis is committed to contributing to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through our business practices and products. Here are three of our SDG alignments:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Our low-sugar, low-glycemic index ice cream sandwiches cater to the health-conscious individuals and those with specific health requirements. By offering healthier dessert options, we aim to contribute to improving the health and well-being of our consumers.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

We use natural, high-quality ingredients and avoid artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and additives in our products. This aligns with our goal to promote responsible consumption and production practices in the food industry and reduce our environmental impact.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

We prioritize fair labor practices, provide equal opportunities for our employees, and support local suppliers and farmers. By doing so, we contribute to creating decent work and promoting sustainable economic growth in our community.

At Frosty Oasis, we believe that businesses have a crucial role to play in achieving the SDGs and creating a better world for future generations.

THANK YOU!