Mobile App Design
Challenge
Travelers often lack access to reliable safety information when navigating unfamiliar areas, leaving them vulnerable to unsafe situations. Existing safety tools are either fragmented or fail to provide a seamless and intuitive experience that integrates real-time alerts, crime data, and emergency features.
Overview
The project involved designing Safety Net, a mobile application aimed at enhancing personal safety for travelers in unfamiliar areas.
The app provides a centralized platform for safety-related resources, including a color-coded safety map, real-time alerts, emergency contacts, and location-sharing features. Designed for tech-savvy travelers, families and urban residents, it offers an intuitive interface to address user safety needs.
To differentiate from competitors, Safety Net integrates key functionalities like a panic button and custom safety alerts into a seamless user experience. The project emphasized user-centered design, leveraging inspiration from apps like Google Maps and Life360 to create an accessible, reliable tool.
Key deliverables included feature ideation, wireframes, and prototypes. The project highlights the ability to solve complex user challenges through thoughtful design and innovative solutions.
Role
UX designer.
Approach
Designed and developed the mobile app Safety Net. The project included defining the app’s purpose, user base, and core functionality. Conducted competitive analysis to identify gaps in existing apps and developed solutions to address them. Created wireframes and prototypes that combined a safety map, emergency tools, and custom alerts in a unified interface.
Outcome
Delivered a comprehensive app prototype that addresses user needs for real-time safety information and proactive tools. Safety Net integrates a color-coded safety map, panic button, and location-sharing features into a cohesive user experience. The app stands out with its focus on intuitive design, enhancing users' confidence and safety during their travels.
Key Takeaways
Gained experience in balancing user needs with technical feasibility, while employing a user-centered design approach. Learned to adapt quickly to constraints such as limited formal research opportunities by utilizing informal and creative research approaches. This project deepened understanding of integrating multiple functionalities into a seamless user interface, which will inform future design projects.