Bug List

My "Bug List"

1. Ineffective, boring textbooks: this problem exists because textbook companies are focused more on the content of what they're producing than on how they're presenting the information
2. Food waste: this problem exists at many levels: food waste at dining halls, food waste at grocery stores, food waste in homes, even food waste in the production cycle before food is sold. The problem exists not only because food spoils, but also because there is no action being taken to do something (composting) with this extra food.
3. Recycling disconnect: in this, I mean that although students are given many opportunities to recycle on campus, these opportunities are often not taken. The problem does not exist because students don't care about the environment; rather, they do not have the information they need. Students will question "is this recyclable" and rather than get the information, they will opt to throw everything in the regular trash.
4. Bulky bike helmets: a college campus is filled with bikers, and each of these bikers needs to walk around with their helmet. The bulkiness of the helmets causes students not to wear them. This problem exists because there is no other design that is compact, possibly foldable, and still safe.
5. Wet umbrellas: essentially, what happens when you walk into a building after using an umbrella in the rain? The water gets everywhere. This problem exists because there is no better design. Umbrellas should fold into themselves, sealing the umbrella inside, so you can even store it in your backpack without getting books wet. 
6. Lack of space on iPhone: there's never enough storage. This problem exists not only because of the manufacturers, but also because certain apps and items take up more storage on your phone.
7. Underpaid teachers: enough said. This problem exists because teachers are undervalued, and the government continues to enforce budget cuts. Also because teachers will never be paid what they deserve, because they deserve approximately $1,000,000. Annually.
8. All movies today are sequels: I mean, they're either sequels or based off of books. This problem exists because people will buy into what they already know.
9. Overflowing toilets: it sounds weird, but when it happens it's a nightmare. The problem isn't that toilets get clogged; it's that once they do, the water won't stop coming out. This problem exists because there's no plug to prevent the water from rising.
10. Lack of applicable life skills in the classroom: specifically, in High School. This problem exists because of the increased focus placed on STEM, and the devaluation of life skills in the education system.
11. Football game ticket swapping: let's say you sell your ticket. Or you didn't get yours in line with your friend. Well, the odds are not in your favor. This problem exists because UF has a very rigid system that is not online. If the ticket system were automated for online ticket sales, a swapping or seat-picking feature would be a easy feature.
12. Lack of clean water: in third world countries, this is a serious problem. This problem exists because of the lack of resources and financial support in these areas, and the lack of clean water nearby.
13. Tracking busses: in Gainesville, the bus-tracking-apps are just inaccurate. This problem exists because of the difficulty in tracking the progress of things always moving. The technology doesn't seem to be there.
14. Ineffective transportation in Florida: by bus or train, it is difficult to travel throughout the state. The problem exists because of the lack of infrastructure in the state.
15. Abuse of natural resources: this problem exists because of the capital exploitation and profit associated with natural resources. 
16. Censorship: this problem exists in certain countries because of the corrupt political systems present there.
17. Lack of exploration in liberal arts: this problem exists as the result of America's emphasis on STEM fields and devaluation of liberal arts. As a result, students grow up not experiencing and exploring potential interests in liberal arts fields.
18. Overpopulation in animal shelters: this problem exists as the result of animal abuse and as the result of a lack of funding, and a lack of cheap space.
19. Difficulty in making relevant computer icons for graphic design: for a graphic designer, making your own icons or original designs in something like Illustrator is pretty complicated, if not time consuming. The problem exists because Adobe's interface is not always user-friendly, and there is not a software that can simplify the process.
20. Lack of check accessibility in withdrawals: If you don't have a checkbook, you need to make a request for a check. You should be able to do it online. This problem exists because a lack of security in online banking.
21. Steve Jobs is no longer alive: this is just sad.

My friends and I actually challenge each other to come up with "problems" in the world and develop ideas to solve them. That's essentially what the first half of my list was from. It does get increasingly difficult to find these "bugs," because each one needed to have no solution. Other companies may make solutions for problems, but I have realized that not all solutions are the best solution.