Zillion Solutions

Simple Submission Template

Template Instructions

1. This file is view-only. To edit the template, please select either “File → Download” to save it as a PPTX, or “File → Make a copy” to create your own editable version in Google Slides.
• IMPORTANT: In order to submit to Zillion Solutions, you will need to download your final slides as a .pptx or PDF file, or upload an MP4 file if doing a video.
2. Follow this 5-step template or create a 2-minute video following the 5-step criteria. Feel free to change the design.
• The initial submission is this easy. Just create 5 slides or a 2-minute or less video!
• Those advancing to the next round will create something more elaborate with our help and the chance to win up to $2,850!
3. Delete this and other filler slides on your final copy. Submit at GO.UMFLINT.EDU/ZILLIONENTRY.
• Email hagermancenter@umich.edu with any questions.

Idea Generation Questions

ONLY REFER TO THIS SHEET IF NEEDED - You do not submit it

Problem Identification: The first step in solving a problem with a product or service is coming up with a problem. Consider questions below:

• What business does Flint or your city need? (Example: Flint needs more excitement, so I would start a dance club)
• What products or services can be tailored for specific groups (e.g., seniors, children, low-income individuals, athletes, parents)?
• What problem can you think of that is caused by a trend? (e.g., Working from home)?
• What problems or frequent complaints do you encounter in your role (e.g., as student, employee, parent, friend, cook, paying bills, etc.,)
• What are your skills or interests and is there anything lacking that only users such as yourself could notice? (e.g., music, sports, arts, etc.)

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Non-product solution? (e.g., Problem: People arguing at work meetings - Solution: Start with a 5-minute relaxation exercise)? You could:

• Form a consulting firm to offer seminars on meditation techniques before and during meetings.
• Develop an app with meditation exercises for work meetings, including affirmations to improve attendee relationships, such as envisioning positive traits or past helpful actions.
• Create training materials providing detailed instructions on meditation practices, allowing meeting leaders to guide sessions without the app.

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Problem Modification: Questions to ask if someone wants to modify an existing product.

• What is the most common complaint about that product? Try looking at online reviews for the product. Problem: Setting up a tent is a pain. Solution: Auto tent set-up.
• Is there a feature some people don't need that can be removed to reduce cost? Problem: Not needing every type of gym equipment. Solution: A gym with only aerobic equipment, no weights or classes.
• Can you combine it with another product for greater ease of use or cost savings? Problem: Bending down when cleaning. Solution: On Shark Tank an inventor combined a broom, dustpan and scraper to avoid bending down.
• Can you adapt it for a group? Problem: High shelf that someone in a wheelchair can’t reach. Solution: A electronically-lowering shelf.

Introduction

Name(s):

Major/school(s):

Class Standing(s) (e.g., Freshman, Graduate Student, etc.,):

Please list all team members if entering as a group.

Problem Identification

Tips:

• Identify your problem.
• Be clear and concise.
• Add one or more points about why this issue is important, either to you or a broader audience.

Delete the tips and example above, then describe the problem you identified.

Example Problem:

At so many events, particularly in high school and college graduations and sports, names are mispronounced.

Existing Alternatives or Competitors

Tips:

• What are people currently doing to address the problem? Please do some research (e.g., google searches, ChatGPT)!
• Which alternatives are most similar?
• Why aren’t they solving the problem?
• *Ensure your exact idea doesn't already exist. Minor differences are ok, as is adapting an idea (e.g. exists elsewhere but not in Flint).

Delete the tips and example above, then describe the alternatives you identified.

Example existing Option 1:

Name Shouts helps pronounce 22+ languages by using a search engine to provide an audio and phonetic pronunciation, then displaying the pronunciation on screen.

Example problem with Option 1:

Name Shouts has a similar idea, but it complicates it by having linguists and would not help if the person pronounces their name in an usual way.

Innovative or Creative Solution

Tips:

• Clearly state your idea
• Explain how it helps with the issue
• How does it overcome the short falls of the similar solutions.

Delete the tips and example above, then describe the solution. This can be a product, service, app, or another idea.

Idea: A self-submitted recording and phonetical and/or rhyme pronunciation for scholastic events.

How the idea helps with issue and overcomes shortfalls:

By having parents or students submit names, they can make sure the pronunciation is correct. It also avoid the expense and complication of hiring linguists.

Goals for your Idea

Examples:

• Produce change?
• Help a particular group of people?
• Build a company?
• Make money?
• Feel self achievement?

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Goal(s):

"My goal is to encourage change and inclusivity. Let’s try to say people’s names in the way they’re meant to sound rather than just accept that we’re going to say them wrong.”

Thanks to Chris Darbonne who submitted this idea and won $1,350 as a Finalist!

Delete the example above and fill in with your goal(s).

Let’s Create!

Submit these slides or a 2 MINUTE video that follows this format at go.umflint.edu/ZillionEntry.

Email HagermanCenter@Umich.edu with any questions!