On The Line
A platform designed for mobile devices that focuses on disaster preparedness and emergency response.
Product Designer / Academic Project
Product Design, UI Design
PROBLEM
Natural disasters strike without warning, yet communities are often unprepared when response time matters most. Critical information is fragmented, delayed, or inaccessible, leading to confusion, slow coordination, and preventable loss of life.
How might we enable faster, clearer disaster preparedness and emergency response for communities in crisis?
ALERTS
The Alerts section is a central hub for real-time safety updates and emergency guidance. Users can monitor multiple locations for hazards like earthquakes or fires and receive clear status updates—from “All is well” to urgent warnings. In emergencies, it displays key details such as epicenter, scale, and distance from impact, along with instant access to emergency contacts. Clear Do’s and Don’ts offer quick, practical steps to stay safe during a crisis.
MAP & LEARN
The Map and Learn sections help users stay prepared and informed during emergencies. The Map view shows nearby hospitals, shelters, and supply points, with filters and voice search for quick access. The Learn section offers practical tips, like earthquake safety, to guide users in responding effectively. Together, they ensure users have both the knowledge and resources to stay safe.
VOLUNTEER & DONATIONS
The Volunteer and Donations sections empower users to actively support disaster-affected communities. The Volunteer page connects individuals with roles in search and rescue, recovery, and coordination, making it easy to contribute where help is most needed. The Donations page encourages meaningful impact by allowing users to support essential needs like food, shelter, and clothing.
SEARCH & RESCUE
The Search & Rescue section enables users to take swift action during emergencies by reporting stranded individuals or locating the nearest rescue teams. It provides clear Do’s and Don’ts to guide users in offering help responsibly while ensuring their own safety. Whether you're reporting an event or finding support, this section ensures lifesaving help is just a tap away.
REFLECTION
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. The project reaffirmed our belief in the transformative potential of ICTs in saving lives and improving disaster preparedness globally.
