FLOTO
How can we design a feasible product and business model for drones while considering their limitations?
PRODUCT
This graduate school project was my first design strategy initiative, exploring business opportunities with commercial drones as they were entering the market. As a UX and Service Designer, I sought to balance business viability, technological feasibility, and customer desirability.
One key challenge was drones' limited 25-minute battery life. To maximize efficiency, I developed a flying photo booth using helium balloons. The business model added value by creating an exclusive online community where hosts and guests could interact and build connections during and after events through shared images.
ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES
This project, completed in 2012, took place when drones were just entering the commercial market, primarily as toys. We explored how drones could generate value in a broader commercial context. The main challenge was navigating technical limitations, legal restrictions, and overcoming the negative social stigma associated with drones.
PROBLEM
FLOTO is a flying photo booth that uses a helium balloon drone to capture photos on demand during events. Through the FLOTO app, guests can take, edit, and share pictures on social media. After the event, all media is compiled and sent to the host, along with a template for creating a private virtual space where guests can continue interacting and maintain relationships.
SOLUTION
STRATEGY
01
WHAT TO ACHIEVE
This project was undertaken in 2012, a time when commercial drones had just emerged and were primarily seen as recreational gadgets. Our goal was to explore how drones could create value in the commercial sector. The main challenge was navigating technical limitations, legal regulations, and the negative social perception surrounding drone technology.
BACKGROUND & CHALLENGE
GOAL
How can we design a feasible business model for drones while considering their limitations and restrictions?
02
WHERE TO PLAY
TARGET EVENT
Capturing Memories Without Missing the Moment
At parties and events, people often focus more on taking pictures and sharing them rather than enjoying the experience itself. Could a flying photo booth help with this? By hovering around the event, the booth allows guests to capture moments on demand while ensuring other key moments are recorded. This way, attendees can trust their memories are being preserved, freeing them to fully enjoy the event.
NEEDS OF STAKEHOLDERS
Fostering Meaningful Connections at Events
Every event is centered around the relationship between hosts and guests. Hosts aim to create a memorable experience and maintain meaningful connections after the event, while guests want to capture and share these moments with friends.
How can drones help meet the needs of both hosts and guests?
Creating Virtual Communities Through Shared Interests
People often use smartphones to find groups or events where they can share common interests. When individuals gather around a shared passion, it fosters intimacy and builds lasting relationships. Feeling exclusive is key to deepening engagement within a community.
Can drones be used to facilitate meaningful interactions and create a sense of privilege within a "social circle"?
TECH & SOCIAL TRENDS
03
HOW TO WIN
FLOTO
Creating Memories & Lasting Relationships in a Private Virtual Space
FLOTO is a fun, interactive system that uses a helium balloon drone to capture images during events. The FLOTO drone hovers and moves on demand, ensuring key moments are captured. Unlike large communities with limited interaction, FLOTO provides an exclusive social space for hosts and guests, fostering interaction and building relationships that extend beyond the event itself.
FLOTO APP
Building Meaningful Relationships in a Privileged Community
Guests can capture, edit, and share photos using the FLOTO app across various social networks. After the event, all photos and videos are compiled and sent to the host, along with a template for creating a private virtual space. This space allows the host to share the content with guests, fostering continued interaction and maintaining relationships beyond the event.
FLOTO DRONE
A Simple Way to Share Pictures with Guest Permission
Guests can use the FLOTO app to interact with the drone and capture pictures or videos during events. Each FLOTO app user has a unique ID, which is used to tag the media they request. This ensures that the photos or videos taken are tagged with the requester’s ID, making sharing and tracking content simple and organized.
CAPABILITIES NEEDED FOR IMPLEMENTATION
04
KEY ACTIVITY SYSTEM OF “HOW TO WIN”
Establishing a Map of Activities and Competencies for Implementing the FLOTO Service
Develop Drone Hardware:
Build the FLOTO drone with the necessary capabilities for capturing event photos and videos.
Develop Software for FLOTO App and Website:
Create user-friendly platforms for interaction, editing, and sharing media.
Implement Privacy Features:
Introduce a feature to adjust the drone’s focus and range, ensuring privacy by avoiding unwanted parties.
Enable Unique User IDs:
Assign unique IDs to each FLOTO app user, allowing them to tag pictures and videos they request.
Create a Private Space for Hosts:
Provide a private virtual space where hosts can share content with guests and maintain relationships after the event.
REVIEW MEASUREMENT SYSTEM TO IMPROVE
05
OPTIMIZING SERVICE PROCESS EFFICIENCY
Evaluating Service Procedures for Improvement
Balloon Selection:
The host selects a balloon from FLOTO, choosing from a variety of ready-made or custom-made options that fit the event's theme.
Order and Invitation:
The host places a package order on the FLOTO website and sends e-card invitations for guests to download the FLOTO app prior to the event.
Pre-Event Setup:
The package is delivered to the host before the event, allowing time to test the equipment and ensure everything works smoothly.
During the Event:
FLOTO assists the host in entertaining guests and capturing photos/videos of key moments throughout the event.
Post-Event Return:
After the event, the host returns the package to FLOTO, where all media content is uploaded to the FLOTO website.
Private Social Website Creation:
The host can create a private social website using available templates and share the link with guests, allowing them to view photos, videos, leave comments, and maintain relationships after the event.
NEXTSTEPS
06
FUTURE FORESIGHT
Creating a Private Space for Hosts to Interact with Guests During & After Events
FLOTO's vision is to create a private space that enables hosts to build meaningful interactions with guests, both during and after an event. Rather than a one-time experience, FLOTO transforms parties and events into the starting point for forming an exclusive community. To achieve this vision, FLOTO is planning three phases: optimizing operations in the LA area, building partnerships with companies seeking to expand their marketing channels through events, and expanding the service scope.
