Keeperz

Overview

Keeperz is a service designed to provide beachgoers with a secure and convenient way to store their belongings, while relying a community-driven model. This service was developed in response to the need for a safer and more relaxing beach experience in Miami, where beaches are popular among locals and tourists alike.

Goals

Develop a community-based service that ensures the safety of beachgoers’ belongings. Leverage peer-to-peer sharing and accountability, thereby reducing anxiety and enhancing the overall beach experience for both members of the community and visitors.

Context

Miami's beach area is among the main attractions of the city. Still, it suffers from thefts, raising security concerns both for residents and visitors. This can make tourists wary, but it can also decrease trust within the community. In order to make the beach feel like a safe place, confidence has to be built up within the community.

While it may look like one problem, tackling theft actually requires two solutions:

Reduce the number of beach thefts
Increase beachgoers perception that they are in a safe place

If theft goes down but beachgoers are still worried, the benefits of safer beaches are not recognized. Beachgoers must feel safe, in addition to actually being safe.

How can we make people feel safe and avoid the mini existential crisis?

Research

We conducted interviews with city residents who frequently visited the beach, focusing on people in their 20s to 40s

"Sometimes it's more about letting myself relax and if I always look at my belongings it's ruining the fun... sometimes [I wonder about] the person I am asking to look over my things - are they trustworthy? So many issues."

"I really try to leave my stuff on the car or back home so i don’t have worry. It is not ideal. I would like to bring stuff with me. I don’t usually ask other people to look after my stuff, I don’t really trust them and it is uncomfortable for them."

"I ask people who are with me to keep an eye on it. I never ask unknown people."

"A few weeks ago, one of my friends told me she went on a date at the beach. She looked away for few seconds and her phone got stolen. It’s something you get used to, living here."

"Last week I went with two friends and we all wanted to go in the water...I was sure that if we asked [the people near us] to keep an eye on our items they would steal it, but luckily they were super nice and everything was ok."

Mindsets

Minimalist

At the beach to relax
Takes as little as possible
Lives closer to the beach

Prepared Swimmer

At the beach to be active
Comes prepared with supplies
Wary of losing belongings

Social Tanner

At the beach to socialize
Brings plenty of stuff
Relies on group to ensure safety of belongings