Ethical Issues
Harnessing energy while walking to charge your phone would be a new technological development. The world is seeking other alternative sources of energy, especially given the looming threat of water shortage which is a problem to hydro-electricity (Wang, et al, 2016). Hence, this product will reduce the over-reliance of electricity and phone batteries thus contributing to environmental sustainability. Capturing energy from human motion is a promising energy source as it reduces exploitation of resources, particularly because it avoids extreme energy consumption. Further, people achieve significant health benefits by walking rather than driving or riding in motorcycles.
More so, the increased reliance on phone batteries is aggravating the situation of environmental pollution. Given that the operation of the product will be based on wireless power, this will reduce the massive replacement of batteries. Annually, a huge number of batteries are disposed causing toxic landfills and environmental degradation. Again, the existing infrastructure associated with other sources of charging generates large quantities of waste. The inception of this product will come in handy to save this situation. It will reduce future waste derived from such infrastructure.
However, there is also a dark side because the development of this technology will augment the concern on the health implications attributed to such devices. Currently, there is a worrying trend about the detrimental health problems caused by the waves emitted from phones. The new technology will also stimulate this ethical issue and the case is especially so because the research on the impacts of the electromagnetic waves on health and safety has not gained substantial grounds (Wang, et al, 2016). Some of the health issues speculated includes brain tumors, genetic damage, and risking the contraction of brain cancer. It is important noting is that there is no sufficient evidence to prove or disapprove these dangers (Wang, et al, 2016). It continues to be a hotly debated topic. As such, the introduction of such products raises questions about the threat they pose to lives, specifically on a long-term basis. Given that this situation is characterized by many uncertainties, this would be a gruesome challenge due to the increased emphasis placed on improving the health and safety of people.
Recommendation
Gone are the days where new technology was welcomed without sufficient evaluation. Today, the cost-benefit analysis is the order of the day. To this end, the best marketing strategy to explore is the one which confirms that the benefit outweighs the limitations. It would be easier to do so on various Internet platforms with the social media being the preference. The idea is to offer adequate knowledge and insights of the product. We will insist on the environmental troubles that can be mitigated by this new development.
We will make consumers see the need for this product given that they can charge their mobile phones irrespective of where they are. The product will save them the trouble of walking with power banks. Even better, while on the walk, the phone will not hit the low battery percentage. This is good news to the consumers. Research shows that upon hitting the low battery percentage, a phone releases extreme amounts of electromagnetic waves thus increasing the chances of negative health repercussions (Ryhänen, 2014). Therefore, this product will eliminate instances in which a person will be exposed to high amounts of electromagnetic waves.
Moreover, the product will save energy costs. Hence, this technology is an investment in one’s “walking power”. Another marketing strategy would be admitting to the possible health implications associated and mentioning that we are dedicated to designing a product which elicits insignificant amount of waves. Additionally, we strive at collaborating with various organizations in a bid to realize more innovative designs to fight the health impacts triggered by the emission of electromagnetic waves. We will also educate the public on ways of reducing exposure to the waves, particularly to major organs such as the brain.
References
Ryhänen, T. (2014). Nanotechnologies for Future Mobile Devices. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Wang, W., Cao, J., Zhang, N., Lin, J., & Liao, W. (2016). Magnetic-spring based energy harvesting from human motions: Design, modeling and experiments. Energy Conversion and Management, 132189-197.
