Unconventional Switch: Combat Student Spending

 

Switch to Keep Students from Spending Money

By Rebecca Catterton & Ralfo Manzur

            Our switch was designed to combat one of the biggest problems students face: uncontrolled spending. Czech novelist Ivan Klima once said, “to destroy is easier than to create,” a sentiment that rings true to this day and can be applied to a variety of life’s facets, especially money. It is very easy to buy a new $30, $60 game, but it’s much harder to earn that money by working. Since most of us are students without degrees, the jobs we have access to are often limited in both hours and wage. By designing this switch, we’ve tackled the problem head on. One side of the wallet has a conductive gum wrapper on it, the other, a quarter. Do not be tempted by this quarter. The circuit is completed when the wallet is opened and the two items touch. When this happens, a red light turns on, reminding you of the terrible mistake you’re making. Your bank account and the future version of you will thank you. No more indulging yourself with an in-game purchase or even something from the vending machine.