Check
Independent study at Dartmouth College
Spring 2013
Overview
About
Check bypasses the coat check by providing simple and secure self-service storage controlled through a mobile app.
Team
Independent study with guidance from Professor Peter Robbie.
Need
Young bar and restaurant patrons need a more efficient and self-directed system for securely storing their larger personal items while at public venues.
Project
Process
To understand the opportunity and pain points involved, I conducted market and user research (interviews, surveys, observation). Research was held with both members of the target user demographic and with bar owners to gain perspective from proprietors.
Concept generation and development involved sketching, prototyping by hand, and later using 3D modeling software (SolidWorks) and 3D printing. I met weekly with my advisor for feedback, and also got frequent feedback on prototypes from target users.
Once landing on a final work-like-concept, I sought help from various engineering professors and students to get help putting together the electronics and hardware.
Prototype Iteration
Prototyping evolved from a number of handmade works-like prototypes with found materials and altered existing products, to making 3D models and rapid prototypes on the 3D printer.
Key Observations
- People feel that it's a burden to keep track of jackets and bags in crowded venues.
- However, young bar patrons tend to bypass the coat check.
- A fear of losing items exists and is a fairly frequent reality.
- Of those reporting losing an item to theft or other circumstances at a public venue, my research indicated 77% had lost their jacket, as opposed to other personal belongings (n=79).
- Venues have severe space limitations.
- Patrons will store items anywhere (i.e. on the floor, stuffed behind chairs, etc.).
Barrier to coat check entry
- Length of stay at the venue - Users will not check their coat if there is uncertainty in how long they are staying in one place or if the stay is short.
- Money - Users don't want to deal with cash payments and are uncertain of tipping etiquette.
- Wait time - Long lines at the coat check are frustrating and are exacerbated by lost tickets and everyone leaving at once upon close.
Solution
Check addresses the intersection of users’ tendency not to use coat checks with their need for secure storage while out on the town.
Using a ratcheting clamp technology coupled with a credit card-controlled solenoid system to stop and release the pawl, Check clamps fabric securely over the bottom hook for ease of mind and added security.
An iPad app controls the integrated hook system, keeping track of associations between in-use hooks and credit cards, and facilitating quick payment and item transactions. Proprietors and customers alike can reap the benefits of increased storage efficiency and flexibility without the need for additional staff.
Works-Like-Prototype
The works-like-prototype was assembled with a 3D printed 'hook and locking bulb,' an Arduino, a solenoid to lock and release the ratchet and pawl system, and an RFID to mimic the commands that would be coming from the mobile app.
System Concept
Users swipe their card and select an open hook. They place items over the hook and then clamp down the upper bulb to lock their items in place. That customer's card acts as the key to unlock their hook upon departure.
Business Plan
Opportunity
Many social venues do not provide secure personal storage. Resetting locker systems do exist, but these self-service storage facilities are bulky and often only used in museums and gym locker rooms etc.
Market
For example, in NYC there are approximately 2,600 bars & nightclubs, 16,000 full service restaurants and numerous other entertainment venues (Lauren 2012). Conservatively assuming 20 patrons per establishment per day use the Check system, gives a potential market in excess of 360,000 per day in NYC alone.
Business Model
Units could be sold, leased or revenue-shared with establishments, or space could be rented by ‘franchisees’ from bar operators.
Pricing
Electronic system gives flexible pricing options:
- Free/low initial period
- Escalating over time
- Fixed over time with or without a maximum
Selling points to venues
- Increased storage
- Space utilization
- Customer draw
- Elimination of coat check worker
- Data can be collected by the unit
- Adaptable to decor
Next Steps
- Develop a smoothly working minimum viable product.
- Integrate the single hook into larger system with ad hoc Wi-Fi system.
- Consider other public venues -- airport & public transportation depots, shopping centers, conferences, trade shows, concerts and festivals.
- Explore linking payment and unlocking of hook into the closing of restaurant or bar tab.
- Explore mobile payment systems.
- Consider transition from a venue-owned iPad that acts as single point of service to a mobile app that customers could download, enter payment details, and control individually.
Additional Projects
Awkward Moment
Winter 2012 - Spring 2013
Cinch
Spring 2013