A platform designed for mobile devices that focuses on disaster preparedness and emergency response.
Intro
In the wake of the devastating Turkey 2023 earthquakes, we embarked on the "On The Line" project . Our mission was to design a mobile platform that enhances disaster preparedness and emergency response. The unpredictability and devastating effects of natural disasters often overwhelm communities, making it critical to have readily available technological tools that can aid in rescue, response, and recovery. Our platform sought to bridge the gap by providing users with tools and resources to prepare for disasters and respond effectively in the event of an emergency.
Overview
"On The Line" is a mobile-oriented disaster preparedness and emergency response platform designed to equip communities with the necessary tools to manage and mitigate the impact of natural disasters. By integrating real-time alerts, emergency communication channels, and volunteer coordination features, the platform empowers users to take immediate action in life-threatening situations. Additionally, it offers pre-disaster preparedness guidance, including critical dos and don'ts for various calamities. One of the key features is the interactive map, which helps users locate nearby shelters and resources during emergencies. "On The Line" aims to reduce the chaos and loss of life often seen in the aftermath of natural disasters.
102 M
people affected every year
by natural disasters
70%
of fatalities during disaters
are a result of delayed response
Problem
Natural disasters are inherently unpredictable, and emergency response systems often face significant delays. Studies show that 70% of fatalities during disasters are a result of delayed response rather than the disaster itself. In regions with poor infrastructure or limited access to timely assistance, these delays are even more pronounced. The need for an accessible, real-time communication platform to manage response efforts became evident as we explored the inefficiencies in current systems. Communities, particularly those in disaster-prone areas, need localized solutions that allow for rapid coordination of rescue operations, access to critical resources, and timely dissemination of information.
Hypothesis
We hypothesised that by integrating specific features into a mobile platform, we can significantly reduce the negative impact of disasters by improving response times, community readiness, and coordination of rescue efforts.
Real-Time Alerts: Timely notifications to warn users about impending disasters, which can help reduce response times and improve evacuation efficiency.
Interactive Map: A tool to locate nearby shelters, resources, and medical help, ensuring users can navigate safely and find essential aid during emergencies.
Volunteer Coordination System: A feature to mobilize and organize local volunteers during and after disasters, allowing for more effective relief and recovery efforts.
Emergency Contact Registration & Location Tracking: Enabling users to register emergency contacts and share real-time locations to facilitate faster rescues.
Pre-Disaster Preparedness Guidance: Offering users disaster-specific dos and don’ts, increasing readiness and resilience before disasters strike.
Interviews
As part of the research, we conducted interviews with a diverse group of people to gain a comprehensive understanding of disaster preparedness and emergency response needs. A particularly impactful conversation was with a college student who survived the 2013 Kedarnath tragedy, providing valuable insights on the importance of having an emergency plan and the critical role of empathy and aid for those affected by disasters. Additionally, an interview with the project manager of a Patna-based NGO highlighted the challenges and strategies in rescue and mitigation efforts, as well as the existing technology solutions. This discussion deepened our understanding of both immediate and long-term needs following a catastrophic event, informing the platform's design to address these essential aspects effectively.
User Personas
Anil, 25
College Student
Earthquake Survivor
Background
Anil survived the 2013 Kedarnath floods in India and is acutely aware of the chaos that unfolds during such catastrophes. He believes that preparedness is crucial, but he feels that most disaster apps are either too complex or don’t provide timely updates.
Challenges
Anil has experienced delays in rescue operations firsthand, resulting in unnecessary deaths and prolonged suffering. He needs a platform that can provide quick access to shelters, medical help, and contact with family.
Needs
A simple, real-time alert system, accurate map-based guidance to resources, and a way to coordinate help for others in need.
Rohini, 34
NGO Project Manager
Background
Rohini manages a disaster relief NGO in Patna, India, focusing on rescue and recovery efforts during floods and earthquakes. She leads volunteer teams, organizes medical camps, and liaises with government bodies during emergencies. However, she finds the lack of coordination between volunteers and resource allocation to be a major hurdle.
Challenges
Rohini struggles with delayed communication between volunteers and lacks a centralized platform to track resources and direct efforts efficiently.
A communication hub to coordinate volunteers, share real-time data, and deploy resources to areas in need quickly.
Needs
Process Overview
The design and development of "On The Line" followed a structured approach, including literature review, user interviews, ideation, and prototyping. Our process began with an extensive exploration of existing disaster preparedness platforms, like the iHanda app, to understand the limitations and potential for improvement. Interviews with survivors and disaster response experts provided real-world insights into the gaps in current systems and shaped the features we prioritized in our platform.
Fernando, Ma Corazon G., Maria Vicky S. Solomo, and Ace C. Lagman. "iHanda: A mobile application for disaster preparedness." International Journal of Simulation Systems, Science & Technology 20 (2019).
Design
After completing the ideation phase, we moved into the design process, where we transformed our concepts into tangible solutions through iterative prototyping and user testing. The following screens show the final product.
User Insights and Future Scope
We conducted multiple rounds of user testing with disaster survivors, volunteers, and NGO managers. The testing phase focused on ensuring the platform’s usability and reliability during emergency scenarios. Participants were asked to perform tasks such as locating the nearest shelter, signing up for volunteer efforts, and registering emergency contacts. Some key insights were
Alert Efficiency: Users appreciated the real-time alert system, but some suggested adding more granular alert settings, allowing for selective notifications based on specific disasters or regions.y.
Map Navigation: While the interactive map was generally well-received, some users requested a simplified version for low-tech devices or areas with limited connectivity.
Volunteer Coordination : Volunteers found the app helpful in organizing efforts, though some expressed the need for a chat function to communicate with others in real time during operations.
Reflections and Key Learnings
Through the development of "On The Line," we gained a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in disaster response. One of the most important takeaways was the need for localized, real-time information, which can drastically reduce casualties and enhance community resilience. We also learned the importance of designing with low-tech environments in mind, as connectivity is often compromised during disasters. Looking forward, we aim to continue refining the platform by integrating offline capabilities and enhancing the volunteer coordination features. The project reaffirmed our belief in the transformative potential of ICTs in saving lives and improving disaster preparedness globally.