Node ()
IOS Android Figma Adobe Suite Arduino
This was my senior capstone project at SCAD.
For this class, the prompt was “Social Impact“.
Lighthouse won:
Indigo Award Winner 2022:
Gold Winner in Interactive Design
Gold Winner in Product or Gadget Design for Social Change
Silver Winner in UX, Interface & Navigation
What’s Node ()?
Node uses mesh network technology to form a self-sufficient wireless network that users can access even when normal systems fail. Using our network, users can send emergency messages, see up-to-date news and alerts, find important resources, and find the safest routes all on one, reliable platform.
My Role
In this project, I was responsible for planning, overseeing, implementing, and executing the project. Conducting primary and secondary research, along with designing and prototyping the interface.
Delivered
Primary research, secondary research, concept development, user journeys, prototypes (HUD interface).
Team management, case study content strategy, vision video.
Duration
20 Weeks
March 2022
Tools
Figma
Adobe Suite
Rotato
After the Japan tsunami in March 2011, approximately 8000 mobile base stations were immediately disabled. Within 24 hours, this number almost doubled when backup power systems became exhausted.
-International Journal of Distributed Sensor Networks
Why?
Lack of communication hindering rescue and relief efforts, not having a plan beforehand and preparing sooner, unable to obtain quick, concise, trustworthy information, lack of information in local volunteers…
How Might We…
provide a centralized source for reliable disaster information
and communication?
Solution
Impacts & Outcomes
We created a decentralized, self-sufficient wireless network that can create a secondary form of emergency communication. Users also have access to our app for emergency messages, up-to-date news and alerts, resource mapping and navigation, and connection with volunteers and their community.
Research
20 Interviews with our target audience
9 Expert Interviews to learn more about how first responders, volunteers, organizations, and government prepare and react to natural disasters.
Online survey with 111 responses, among college students, families, and single households.
8 Sensory Cues to simulate people’s actions and emotions during natural disasters.
Personas and Journey maps to evaluate all the different factors before, during, and after a disaster to see where all the problems lie.
Overall Research Takeaways
Lack of communication results in many issues, especially for rescue and relief efforts
Having a plan beforehand and preparing sooner would make a big difference and is crucial for safety.
People want quick, concise, trustworthy information that actually applies to them
People lack knowledge on how to get through natural disasters and where to find resources and information.
Most people don’t have a secondary communication device, but would be willing to try a radio device.
Core Functions
News Update
Users receive credible, up-to-date news and alerts.
Guide
Provides users with a way to find necessary resources in their area vetted by members of the community.
Connect
Using our network, users can message with other users, volunteers, and organizations for help and guidance.
Final Design
The only guide you need
Users receive credible, up-to-date news alerts.
We provide them with a way to find necessary resources in their area, vetted by members of the community.
Find trustworthy information
Users receive credible, up-to-date news alerts.
Reach out to your community
The Node device uses mesh network technology to keep users connected and able to get help.
Main Research Areas
Persona and Journey Map
Based on our research and feedback, we created a persona that best represents our studies and found pain points and design opportunities once again. As it was a sensitive topic, solidifying our research findings with a Persona and User Journey Map was crucial.
Interaction Model and Sitemap
We wanted to make our device to be user-friendly and safe. After much ideation, we developed a simple device for users to connect through a mesh network, as well as an easy-to-use app for alerts and news about the information.
Components and Branding
To emphasize trust and security, we decided to use a blue color scheme. We kept the design as simple as possible, to help the users focus more on the information provided rather than the design and the branding of our product.
Key Takeaways
Our group put our heart and passion into this special project, especially because it was our last project at SCAD. Dedicating 20 weeks to solidity a product to help people who need navigation throughout natural disasters was an eye-opening experience. I learned so much about the importance of communication and readiness in these situations when it is out of our control. I hope our society takes a step forward in helping people in need. Thank you to my teammates for pushing through graduation and coming up with an amazing product!
My heart goes to the people in Maui. If you are able to help, here is a link to help donate for basic needs.