Facebook has become so much more than a social networking tool, it's become a way to reach out to others in need. A new application, Takes All Types, brings together blood donors and could potential save may lives.
After answering the question, "What's your type?" the application users can then be alerted when their blood type is required in their area. Alerts can be in the form of Facebook or text messages, phone or via RSS. Friendly reminders will also be sent out for regular blood contributions, kind of like the birthday alerts.
The program launches on Monday for users in the New York area thanks to Takes All Types, an non-profit that believes Facebook could help locate blood faster and more efficiently in time of crisis.
“We were reacting to our sense that most of what was on Facebook was too academic or frivolous,†said Ben Bergman, who started the program with Richard Hecker.
“The whole thing was done in about three months, for about $500,†Mr. Bergman said.
“This suggests that you can do almost anything when you have a growing network,†Michael A. Cusumano, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology said. “That's the core of what Facebook's value is â€" that you have this increasing network of people and you can lay almost anything on top of it.â€
Hopefully this catches on. At time of posting, there are 82 daily active users.
Facebook Blood Donors
Takes All Types
Trend Themes
1. Blood Donor Networking - The trend of using social networking platforms like Facebook to connect blood donors with those in need presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in the healthcare industry.
2. Real-time Blood Type Alerts - The trend of utilizing technology to send real-time alerts to blood donors when their specific blood type is required in their area creates opportunities for disruptive innovation in the mobile notification industry.
3. Non-profit Tech Solutions - The trend of non-profit organizations developing innovative tech solutions, such as the 'Takes All Types' application, showcases opportunities for disruptive innovation in the non-profit sector.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - The healthcare industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities by leveraging social networking platforms and technology to streamline blood donation processes and improve blood availability.
2. Mobile Notification - The mobile notification industry can capitalize on the trend of real-time blood type alerts by developing advanced notification systems that efficiently connect blood donors and recipients.
3. Non-profit - The non-profit industry can embrace the trend of developing tech solutions, like the 'Takes All Types' application, to address societal challenges and improve the effectiveness of their operations.