My gap is still this: keeping the end of cables and power cords on smooth desk and table surfaces.  Below I Iist the user needs for my gap as identified through interviews and observations of real users.  I use the term 'solution' as a generic term to avoid prematurely specifying technical details.  Primary needs on the list are listed in bold, followed by the secondary needs in that same 'category.'  Latent needs are labeled with an exclamation point.

The solution is convenient
The solution allows very fast connection of laptop to power cord
The solution allows very fast disconnection of laptop from power cord
The solution allows very simple/easy connection of laptop to power cord
The solution allows very simple/easy disconnection of laptop from power cord

The solution is versatile
The solution allows use of power cords of different makes and models
The solution works with various cables (power cords, internet cable, speaker cable, etc.)

The solution is trustworthy
! The solution is provides expected functionality reliably.

The solution is easy to implement/remove
The solution does not require modification of the power cord when deployed
The solution can be removed without permanent change to the power cord
The solutions does not require modification of the laptop
The solution can be removed without permanent change to the laptop
The solution does not require modification of the desk/table surface
The solution can be removed without permanent change to the desk/table surface

The solution is aesthetically pleasing
The solution looks cool
! The solution is interesting to look at (creates a surprise)
The solution can be customized to meet individual user tastes

The solution is inexpensive
The solution is inexpensive to manufacture
The solution is easy to package
The solution is easy to ship/transport
The solution can be sold through multiple distribution channels

The solution is environmentally and socially responsible
! The solution minimizes environmental impact during production, shipping, and use
The solution does not use toxic materials
The solution is manufactured in a company that pays fair wages


Experiences gathering user needs:
- It is always interesting how much detail observations in the user environment deliver beyond interviews.  In multiple instances I observed the 'work-around' solutions that users had created fro themselves (e.g., they created a tight spot with other objects on their desks to clamp the power cord).
- Once a solution arrives that is simple and elegant, user really don't want to have it (e.g., one user mentioned the magnetic power cord connection of Mac Laptops).
- Not surprisingly, observations in the work place were relatively easy to conduct, I could simply visit colleagues in their offices.  In contrast, it was more awkward to ask them if I could see their work environment at home.

My gap from week 1 was: A better way to keep unplugged cables on smooth desk/table surfaces.

In what ways might I ...

- increase flexibility with respect to work place location choice

- improve mobility with laptop computers

- allow ease of use of laptops at multiple prepared sites (e.g., home and work) without packing and unpacking power cords and other cables.

- enable easy ways to connect and disconnect laptops at various places, while avoiding ugly solutions.

* - keep unplugged cables on smooth desk/table surfaces.

- use physical phenomena such as weight, friction, stickiness, mechanical or magnetic forces to keep the (end of) cables on smooth desk and table surfaces.