Missing Market by Nancy L. Eady

Two-factor authentication and biometric identification on electronic devices are two of my particular bête noires. I hate fumbling with my phone, tablet or computer trying to remember one of my passwords to look up something simple, like how far it is from where I am to the nearest drug store, and having everything screech to a halt until I can insert a four or six digit code or scan my face or thumb. However, since both are here to stay, I think there is a huge untapped market for both devices in the areas of bathroom toiletries, refrigerators, and snack foods, especially for parents with children of all ages. 

Most mothers of girls can relate. I reached into my basket in my vanity this morning for a particular grooming implement, only to find it missing. I had to wake my daughter up to get it back. Let’s just say it wasn’t a gentle awakening, either. 

I have unknowingly donated tweezers, combs, nail clippers, hair blowers, hair straighteners, bobby pins, razors, shaving cream, shampoo, conditioner and hair ties to my daughter through the years. She has an expanded definition of family property – what’s hers is hers, and what’s ours is hers. Nor do I think she is the only child in her generation that thinks so. I have a friend who bought tweezers and nail scissors and put a set in every bathroom and bedroom she could get her hands on, and still ended up having to search for her own set periodically. 

Imagine a world where such implements come complete with two-factor authentication. My daughter reaches under my counter to retrieve my hairblower, and a polite ding informs her that before she can remove it, she needs to enter a six digit code provided by me. There’s a better than fifty percent chance she’d just give up. Even if she didn’t give up, I’d know she has it; she’d know I know she has it, and my odds of getting it back increase drastically. 

A timed pressure plate in the shower or cosmetics drawer might work well, also. If the item is removed from the pressure plate and not returned in a set period of time, the removed item begins beeping until it is returned to the pressure plate. My daughter’s room would sound like a forest of chirping crickets, but my chances of getting my stuff back improve. 

Biometrics, especially thumbprints or handprints, would work well for refrigerators and snacks. The purchaser’s biometrics could be imprinted on the packaging once the purchase is complete. Similarly, an owner could use a password and screen to record biometrics for the refrigerator door.  Once registered, the refrigerator, snack food or box can only be opened by the registrant(s). It’s not that I want to deny my child food when she’s hungry; I just would occasionally like to eat Cheetos or Olive Garden leftovers too. 

If I have to put up with biometrics and two factor authentication anyhow, they might as well be put to good use. What items do you think might be improved with either?