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Work

About

Let's Talk

Work

About

Let's Talk

Work

About

Let's Talk

MOBILE AND WEARABLE APP DESIGN

How a flawed first attempt led to a more effective, user-approved emergency response app

Project Overview.

Background


SwiftSOS is a mobile and wearable app designed to help users discreetly contact emergency services in urgent situations. The goal was to create an intuitive and accessible interface that ensured quick, reliable user actions.

My role

As a Product Designer and Manager, I worked alongside two designers to research, prototype, and design the Swift SOS mobile and wearable experience, while also overseeing the front-end development of its landing page for a seamless user journey.

Project Specs

User Research , Product Design

Personal Safety & Emergency Response Tech
June 2024, 3 weeks timeline

Tools

Figma, Bootstrap v5.3, HTML/CSS , Trello


How this project started?

Feeling unsafe in uncertain situations can be overwhelming; people just want a discreet, reliable way to seek help without drawing attention to themselves.

Imagine you’re in a situation where something just doesn’t feel right—maybe it’s late at night, or you’re in an unfamiliar area, and you need to get help quickly but discreetly. This was the kind of scenario one of my teammates faced during an Uber ride, and it got us thinking: How can we create an app that helps people feel safer when they’re in those moments of uncertainty?

This shared experience inspired us to design Swift SOS—a mobile app that lets users contact emergency services silently, paired with a wearable device to make the process even smoother.

Imagine you’re in a situation where something just doesn’t feel right—maybe it’s late at night, or you’re in an unfamiliar area, and you need to get help quickly but discreetly. This was the kind of scenario one of my teammates faced during an Uber ride, and it got us thinking: How can we create an app that helps people feel safer when they’re in those moments of uncertainty?

This shared experience inspired us to design Swift SOS—a mobile app that lets users contact emergency services silently, paired with a wearable device to make the process even smoother.

Imagine you’re in a situation where something just doesn’t feel right—maybe it’s late at night, or you’re in an unfamiliar area, and you need to get help quickly but discreetly. This was the kind of scenario one of my teammates faced during an Uber ride, and it got us thinking: How can we create an app that helps people feel safer when they’re in those moments of uncertainty?

This shared experience inspired us to design Swift SOS—a mobile app that lets users contact emergency services silently, paired with a wearable device to make the process even smoother.

Imagine you’re in a situation where something just doesn’t feel right—maybe it’s late at night, or you’re in an unfamiliar area, and you need to get help quickly but discreetly. This was the kind of scenario one of my teammates faced during an Uber ride, and it got us thinking: How can we create an app that helps people feel safer when they’re in those moments of uncertainty?

This shared experience inspired us to design Swift SOS—a mobile app that lets users contact emergency services silently, paired with a wearable device to make the process even smoother.

Imagine you’re in a situation where something just doesn’t feel right—maybe it’s late at night, or you’re in an unfamiliar area, and you need to get help quickly but discreetly. This was the kind of scenario one of my teammates faced during an Uber ride, and it got us thinking: How can we create an app that helps people feel safer when they’re in those moments of uncertainty?

This shared experience inspired us to design Swift SOS—a mobile app that lets users contact emergency services silently, paired with a wearable device to make the process even smoother.

Finding a safe solution.

To create a safety app that truly meets users’ needs, our team knew we had to dive deep into their experiences

We interviewed six users remotely, seeking to uncover the features that would make them feel secure with the focus to understand:

- What functionalities would they find most helpful in a safety app?
- What concerns do they have when reaching out for help?
- How would they prefer to communicate during a moment of uncertainty?

We interviewed six users remotely, seeking to uncover the features that would make them feel secure with the focus to understand:

- What functionalities would they find most helpful in a safety app?
- What concerns do they have when reaching out for help?
- How would they prefer to communicate during a moment of uncertainty?

What we learned?

The insights from the interview helped us organize the information in an affinity diagram, helping us visualize common themes and patterns.

The insights from the interview helped us organize the information in an affinity diagram, helping us visualize common themes and patterns.

The insights from the interview helped us organize the information in an affinity diagram, helping us visualize common themes and patterns.

The insights from the interview helped us organize the information in an affinity diagram, helping us visualize common themes and patterns.

The insights from the interview helped us organize the information in an affinity diagram, helping us visualize common themes and patterns.

emergency contacts

The ability for users to have contacts they can alert or send messages to when in danger

features

Location tracking, texting option, 
Offline functionality

convenience and accessibility

Can users access the app quickly, discreetly, anywhere and anytime?

“ I'd love an SOS app that not only connects to emergency services but also alerts my chosen emergency contacts, no matter where I am or what time it is. “ - Quote from User Interview

“ I'd love an SOS app that not only connects to emergency services but also alerts my chosen emergency contacts, no matter where I am or what time it is. “

- Quote from User Interview

“ I'd love an SOS app that not only connects to emergency services but also alerts my chosen emergency contacts, no matter where I am or what time it is. “

- Quote from User Interview

Understanding our user

This process allowed us to create a user persona that encapsulated the needs and preferences of our target audience, guiding us as we moved forward in our design journey.

Eva Shield

Eva Shield

28yo, Marketing Manager

New York City

28yo, Marketing Manager

New York City

goals

goals

goals

  • A discreet way to seek help without escalating danger.

  • A sense of security, especially when alone or in unfamiliar places.

  • Reliable communication channels.

  • A discreet way to seek help without escalating danger.

  • A sense of security, especially when alone or in unfamiliar places.

  • Reliable communication channels.

needs

  • An app that integrates with smart devices, like smartwatches, for quick, discreet access.

  • Safety alerts and location data are securely shared only with authorized parties during emergencies.

pain points

  • Conventional methods are risky and not always practical.

  • Doubts about existing apps’ reliability in emergencies.

  • Current apps lack compatibility across devices.

needs

needs

An app that integrates with smart devices, like smartwatches, for quick, discreet access.

Safety alerts and location data are securely shared only with authorized parties during emergencies.

  • An app that integrates with smart devices, like smartwatches, for quick, discreet access.

  • Safety alerts and location data are securely shared only with authorized parties during emergencies.

pain points

pain points

Conventional methods are risky and not always practical.

Doubts about existing apps’ reliability in emergencies.

Current apps lack compatibility across devices.

  • Conventional methods are risky and not always practical.

  • Doubts about existing apps’ reliability in emergencies.

  • Current apps lack compatibility across devices.

Key players in this market

Leslie took the lead on the competitor analysis, diving deep into the landscape of safety apps. She meticulously examined four key players, evaluating their features, strengths, and weaknesses to gain insights that would inform our own design.

During her exploration, Leslie identified some common threads among the competitors:

Live location tracking emerged as a vital feature, allowing users to share their whereabouts in real-time.

Additionally, many apps included the ability to notify emergency contacts when users felt threatened, underscoring a shared commitment to safety.


This analysis not only highlighted the current offerings in the market but also illuminated opportunities for our app to stand out and better meet users’ needs.

During her exploration, Leslie identified some common threads among the competitors:


  • Live location tracking emerged as a vital feature, allowing users to share their whereabouts in real-time.

  • Additionally, many apps included the ability to notify emergency contacts when users felt threatened, underscoring a shared commitment to safety.


This analysis not only highlighted the current offerings in the market but also illuminated opportunities for our app to stand out and better meet users’ needs.

During her exploration, Leslie identified some common threads among the competitors:


  • Live location tracking emerged as a vital feature, allowing users to share their whereabouts in real-time.

  • Additionally, many apps included the ability to notify emergency contacts when users felt threatened, underscoring a shared commitment to safety.


This analysis not only highlighted the current offerings in the market but also illuminated opportunities for our app to stand out and better meet users’ needs.

During her exploration, Leslie identified some common threads among the competitors:


Live location tracking emerged as a vital feature, allowing users to share their whereabouts in real-time.

Additionally, many apps included the ability to notify emergency contacts when users felt threatened, underscoring a shared commitment to safety.


This analysis not only highlighted the current offerings in the market but also illuminated opportunities for our app to stand out and better meet users’ needs.

Sketching the experience.

In the early stages of developing our safety app, we rolled up our sleeves and began sketching the user experience. This phase was all about envisioning how users would interact with the app in critical moments.

While my teammates focused on the mobile app and website prototypes, I dedicated my efforts to crafting detailed and user-friendly designs for the wearable devices. I ensured that these prototypes met our users’ needs and preferences, allowing for seamless interaction in high-pressure situations. The workflow that emerged from our visual journey included several key steps:

Paper Prototype and User Flow

Wearable Device Integration User Flow

Sketching the experience.

In the early stages of developing our safety app, we rolled up our sleeves and began sketching the user experience. This phase was all about envisioning how users would interact with the app in critical moments.

While my teammates focused on the mobile app and website prototypes, I dedicated my efforts to crafting detailed and user-friendly designs for the wearable devices. I ensured that these prototypes met our users’ needs and preferences, allowing for seamless interaction in high-pressure situations. The workflow that emerged from our visual journey included several key steps:

Paper Prototype and User Flow

Wearable Device Integration User Flow

Building the experience and testing our hypothesis.

Usability Testing: Refining Mid-Fidelity Prototypes for Mobile App, Wearable Integration

We developed and refined on mid-fidelity prototypes for the mobile app, wearable integration, and a website landing page to download the app from.


To ensure our designs met user needs, we conducted six usability tests on the prototypes. Each test provided valuable insights, allowing us to observe how users interacted with the mobile app and app for the wearable device.

We developed and refined on mid-fidelity prototypes for the mobile app, wearable integration, and a website landing page to download the app from.


To ensure our designs met user needs, we conducted six usability tests on the prototypes. Each test provided valuable insights, allowing us to observe how users interacted with the mobile app and app for the wearable device.

The app was a usability disaster.

The app was a usability disaster.

The app was a usability disaster.

Observing users as they navigated through different features revealed that the first design wasn't working for the users. Initially, we had considered a different direction, which, while theoretically sound, lacked originality and creativity.

The usability tests revealed the importance of designing for temporary or situational disabilities, especially in high-stress emergency situations where accessibility can make a critical difference.

Refine, Redefine, Repeat: The Pivot

Learning from why the first version doesn't work and the Pivot

By remaining open-minded and not clinging to our first ideas, we crafted a much stronger and more impactful final deliverable.


Drawing from insights gathered in usability tests with six users, we continually refined our designs to improve the user experience. I led the development of the wearable device solution, while Leslie focused on enhancing the mobile app, and Ayra worked on improving the landing page. Together, we iterated on our respective areas, using feedback from testing to create a seamless and user-centered experience.

By remaining open-minded and not clinging to our first ideas, we crafted a much stronger and more impactful final deliverable.


Drawing from insights gathered in usability tests with six users, we continually refined our designs to improve the user experience. I led the development of the wearable device solution, while Leslie focused on enhancing the mobile app, and Ayra worked on improving the landing page. Together, we iterated on our respective areas, using feedback from testing to create a seamless and user-centered experience.

Improvement 1:

🧐 USABILITY INSIGHT #1 :


Imagine being in an emergency, where acting quickly becomes difficult and you might even experience temporary difficulty in moving or thinking clearly. In such moments, having too many options in the navigation bar can make things worse

Solution: Simplify the design and options for emergencies.

  • 🧭 We streamlined the Navbar to help users find what they need instantly—no confusion!


  • ☎️ Removed redundant buttons (like the call button) to declutter the interface.


  • 📍Introduced a clearer call-to-action (CTA) 📍 for location services.


  • ⚠️ Added a single pop-up assessment CTA , prompting users to share key emergency details if they’re able.

  • 🧭 Optimized navigation : Removed redundancies for smoother access to key information.

  • ℹ️ Secondary navigation bar : Added for quicker access to content with fewer clicks.

  • 👐 Accessibility compliance:  Ensured usability for users of all abilities.

  • 📋 Brief questionnaire :  Helps users quickly identify the right type of care, simplifying decision-making.

Improvements On Landing Screen

Improvement 2:

🧐 USABILITY INSIGHT #2 :


"If I’m in a dangerous situation, I can’t risk making a call that alerts others. I need a way to reach 911 discreetly.”

🧐 USABILITY INSIGHT #2 :


"If I’m in a dangerous situation, I can’t risk making a call that alerts others.

I need a way to reach 911 discreetly.”

Solution: Change “Calling 911” to “Signaling 911” for discretion and improve button visibility.

We adhered to UI best practices making important features easy to find and use without requiring users to relearn new patterns, especially in high-pressure situations.


  • 🔇 Discreet Emergency Calls: Updated “Calling 911” to “Signaling 911” for silent, subtle help.


  • 📍 Improved Accessibility: Made location tracking and cancel call buttons more prominent and easier to reach.


We adhered to UI best practices making important features easy to find and use without requiring users to relearn new patterns, especially in high-pressure situations.


  • 🔇 Discreet Emergency Calls: Updated “Calling 911” to “Signaling 911” for silent, subtle help.


  • 📍 Improved Accessibility: Made location tracking and cancel call buttons more prominent and easier to reach.


Improvements On ' Calling ' Screen

Improvement 3:

🧐 USABILITY INSIGHT #3 :


"I have been in situations where, I just need a way to let someone know I’m feeling off, without making it a big deal and involving emergency services until I get home.”

Solution: Buddy Alert feature to discreetly text a trusted contact for support with just a tap.

Imagine feeling uneasy while out alone.


That’s why we introduced the Buddy Alert feature. With a simple tap, you can discreetly text a trusted friend or family member, letting them know you need support without drawing attention.


This empowers the users to stay connected and safe, reminding them that they're never truly alone.

Introduction of 'Buddy Alert' Feature

Improvement 4 :

In an emergency, uncertainty can amplify stress and fear. That’s why we introduced extra screens in the user flow that clearly displays emergency response status on both wearable and mobile devices. By keeping users informed, we empower them in those critical moments, ensuring they feel supported and in control when it matters most.

Improvement in Wearable User Flow

🧐 USABILITY INSIGHT #4 :


"In an emergency, the wait feels endless, what is the process happening at the back?”

Solution: Add extra steps to display system status clearly

✅ We refined the user flow for both wearable and mobile devices to improve clarity and provide users with real-time reassurance during emergencies.


This included adding two key screens: 

  • One confirming that the user’s location had been shared with emergency responders 


  • another notifying them that their emergency contacts had received an alert

✅ We refined the user flow for both wearable and mobile devices to improve clarity and provide users with real-time reassurance during emergencies.


This included adding two key screens: 

  • One confirming that the user’s location had been shared with emergency responders 


  • another notifying them that their emergency contacts had received an alert

Moving Forward:

Looking Ahead:
Elevating User Safety and Support

As we look to the future of the app, the possibilities are as exciting as they are essential. Imagine implementing guides and an AI bot to provide real-time answers to user questions, creating a reassuring presence during uncertain moments.

We also envision partnering with local emergency service providers, allowing users to connect directly with trusted help in their area, enhancing both credibility and community trust.

Finally, incorporating haptic touch technology for sending emergency texts would provide a vital lifeline, allowing users to reach out for help with just a subtle squeeze.

Combined, these innovations would form a robust safety net, transforming the app into an essential tool for anyone seeking security and support in their daily lives.

As we look to the future of the app, the possibilities are as exciting as they are essential. Imagine implementing guides and an AI bot to provide real-time answers to user questions, creating a reassuring presence during uncertain moments.

We also envision partnering with local emergency service providers, allowing users to connect directly with trusted help in their area, enhancing both credibility and community trust.

Finally, incorporating haptic touch technology for sending emergency texts would provide a vital lifeline, allowing users to reach out for help with just a subtle squeeze.

Combined, these innovations would form a robust safety net, transforming the app into an essential tool for anyone seeking security and support in their daily lives.

Lessons Learned and Reflections

As we reached the end of this project, several key insights stood out. 

appreciating responsive design

appreciating responsive design

appreciating responsive design

Working with wearables taught us the critical value of responsive design. With such limited screen space, it became clear that simplicity and clarity were essential, ensuring each feature was intuitive and accessible without overwhelming the user.

user-centered flexibility in emergencies

user-centered flexibility in emergencies

user-centered flexibility in emergencies

Understanding that users might face temporary or situational disabilities in stressful situations, we prioritized designing an interface that remains intuitive under pressure. By staying flexible and open to feedback, we were able to pivot and create a more impactful product.

collaboration and communication:

collaboration and communication:

collaboration and communication:

 Effective collaboration and clear communication were essential in bringing together the mobile app, wearable integration, and landing page. By staying focused on user needs and working closely as a team, we were able to create a cohesive and innovative solution.

Want to know more? Let’s discuss!

Want to know more? Let’s discuss!

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