Below the Fold: Collection of random ideas

I've seen some really good deals on FB Marketplace / Craigslist, some of which the owner doesn't have the title on them.

Generally the buyer takes the bill of sale to the DMV, and requests a new title which can take up to 60 days, with the risk that the VIN comes back stolen.

It would be interesting to have a system such that at the time of sale I can be sure that I'll get the title eventually.

Solution:

• Government-backed online title transfer process, maybe powered by blockchain
• A temporary ownership transfer system with built-in escrow

If you were to create a clone of [reddit], how would you make sure the handles created on this new platform could be owned by the same people on the old platform?

How it would work:

• User generates a public/private key pair and posts the public key on their Reddit profile
• User registers on new platform, providing their Reddit username and public key
• New platform generates a unique challenge, which user signs with their private key
• User submits signed challenge; new platform verifies signature using public key
• Upon verification, the username is reserved and linked to the verified public key

A visual guide to help maintain consistent pace during runs, a personal time trial assistant if you will.

Implementation:

• AR glasses that display real-time pacing information in the runner's field of view along with a virtual pace line
• Use Google Maps API or some other method to get waypoint data to help render the pace time
• AI coach to provide audio feedback

Make seat finding more visual in large venues or restaurants.

Solution:

• Develop a mobile app with interactive seating charts for reservations
• NFC-enabled seat tags for easy check-in and verification
• Real-time navigation system to guide users to their exact seat

A browser plugin allowing users to highlight text and scroll for ELI5/10/15 explanations via LLM.

Features:

• Text highlighting for selecting terms or concepts
• Use zoom in-out keys to adjust explanation complexity (ELI5, ELI10, ELI15)

Expressing mood through a shareable, ephemeral color palette.

Implementation:

• Create an app that allows users to select three colors to describe their mood
• Develop an AI that interprets color combinations and provides mood insights
• Design a social platform where users can share and compare their mood colors

A lot of questions people have can be answered by the car manual, but in reality no one reads them. How can we save people a potential trip to the mechanic?

Potentially couple this with an OBD-II scanner to close the feedback loop

I carry around a portable charger and bike a lot (Peloton and regular bike), what if I could charge that charger while biking?

Idea:

• A product that attaches to the rear/front wheel and efficiently converts pedaling into electrical energy
• App to track energy generation and estimate charging times

Back of the Napkin Math:

1. Create Energy:

   • Average Sustainable Extra Power Output for Charging: 20W for 1 hour
   • Total Energy Generated: 20W * 1h = 20 Wh

2. 5,000 mAh battery pack:

   • Energy Stored: 5 Ah * 3.7V = 18 Wh

3. Use Energy:

   • Accounting for Efficiency (~50%): 20 Wh * 50% = 10 Wh

4. Feasibility:

   • Energy Required to Charge Battery: 18 Wh
   • Usable Energy Generated per Hour: 10 Wh

My iPhone 15 Pro has a battery capacity of about 3300 mAh (~12 Wh), so I could charge it ~once after about an hour of cycling.

Cost-efficient, convenient portioning and packaging of protein powder.

Solution:

• A machine that dispenses and seals individual servings of protein powder you already own / have purchased in bulk
• Dump the whole tub into the machine and it will package into individual servings on demand
• Develop a subscription model for protein powder refills, Keurig-style

Seamless transitions between songs.

Solution:

• App that analyzes song beginnings and endings for optimal transitions, perhaps using some fourier transform as the base
• Helps DJ's create smoother sets
• Create an API for music streaming services to integrate smooth transitions, takes the song as input and returns array of songs ranked by similar genre and compatability, use to power their 'radio' feature

There should be a more systematic way to prepare for job interviews.

Ideas:

• Program that generates tailored interview questions based on resume and job description. For job description just paste link in and we can extract the important data
• Method for practicing and refining STAR method responses, actionable feedback
• Dashboard for tracking job applications and interview preparation progress

App that provides spoiler-free insights based on current episode. Maybe start with reality TV since it's more straightfoward, 'why was this couple arguing about this, didn't it come up before?'

Secret sauce would be the system that produces a bill of materials with links to purchase items. Would require some way to extract product catalog images along with metadata like price and convert them into a suitable 3D format

• Automate FOIA requests and similar public info retrieval processes
• Develop a marketplace for buying and selling processed public data
• Design an API for integrating semi-public data into applications (for example, cargo data)

• Develop a chat-based platform with travel-specific features and integrations
• Mini-apps for itinerary planning, expense splitting, voting on activities and also actually booking
• Make an ecosystem for travel agents to offer services within the platform, 'travelagent00 has entered the chat'

• App for physical therapists to provide to patients that provides rehab routines with video guides
• Catalog of YYY different exercises in GIF / MP4 format, with ability to upload your own variations
• Should allow for PT to monitor patient progress and adjust exercises remotely

Empower sports fans / aspiring commentators with instant, relevant statistical information to enhance debates and discussions.

• Develop an AI that generates relevant statistical counterarguments / talking points in real-time
• Create a voice-activated system for hands-free stats queries during games

Make it easier for manga creators to convert their content into anime

• Generate animated scenes from manga panels
• System for voice synthesis and lip-syncing based on dialogue, maybe even use trained popular anime voice actors (if they consent and get paid)
• Create some style transfer techniqu to maintain the manga's unique art style

Improving connection and support for alma mater programs.

Solution:

• Social platform specifically for alumni engagement and networking
• Targeted fundraising and progress tracking, help organizations form nonprofit so that they can take advantage of company matching and gives incentive for people to donate knowing a tax deduction
• Features for mentorship programs and internship connections

Many people have issues with spreadsheet formulas or tools based in spreasheets, but short of making a copy or sharing the actual sheet it's hard to get help especially outside of your organization. Those options are non starters for sharing outside as the data is likely sensitive

Solution:

• Develop a tool that replaces or obfucates sensitive data with dummy data, but maintaning the core logic
• A platform / marketplace for securely sharing and collaborating on anonymized spreadsheets for an agreed upon price
• Train a program based on anonymized results that can understand and solve some amount of issues

Planning road trips based on fuel efficiency and cost. 'I'm down for a 8 hour round trip roadtrip, where can I go?'

• Create an app that calculates trip costs based on car model and current gas prices
• Develop a visual route planner that optimizes for fuel efficiency and interesting destinations

When Pokémon Go was at the height of its popularity, battery life was a major concern for players. To address this, I designed (using Autodesk Inventor) and 3D printed a Pokédex-shaped 1500mah battery case. I didn't finsh painting / adding LEDs, below is as far as I got

Enabling discussions on any web page.

Implementation:

• A chrome extension that allows comments on any webpage
• Distributed (or centralized) system for storing and retrieving comments
• Moderation tools to prevent spam and abuse

Organize and surface available contact-level information from in person / phone conversations / texts.

Solution:

• App that allows tagging and note-taking on a contact level
• Develop an AI that transcribes, categorizes, synthesizes content, adding it to the correct contact.
• Reminders like 'follow up on how the surprise concert they planned for their spouse went' appear as notes before your next meeting

Monetizing unused window space in buildings and vehicles, lowering the cost of your rent / mortgage / note.

Solution:

• Develop transparent display technology for windows
• Create a marketplace for buying and selling window ad space
• Design an AI that optimizes ad placement based on location and time

A custom cupholder project combining 3D printing and woodworking.

Implementation:

• Designed in Autodesk Inventor
• 3D printed main structure
• Added a wooden back for aesthetics and stability