Node

Role -  Product Designer
‍

A decentralized, self-sufficient wireless network

‍

Problem:

Natural disasters are very unpredictable and the ways information is spread and communication is handled only make a bad situation worse. On top of that, when the power goes out and cell service is down people are left without the use of the technology they depend on so much.

‍

‍

‍

‍

Our Product

‍

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.

Target Audience

-Communities-
‍Organizations do not properly provide the help and information people need, so they look to their communities for assistance

Stakeholder Map


Why Communities?

"People are hard-wired to come together as a community after disasters... most search and rescue after a disaster is done by people in their communities, long before professionals arrive."
- Mitch Stripling, assistant commissioner of Agency Preparedness and Response

Why Communication breaks down?

Congestion

After a disaster, so many people are trying to contact loved ones and get emergency help that it causes a lot of congestion and stops people from being able to use cell service.

Lack of Electricity

Cell phones depend on a network of receivers and transmitters which relies on power systems and computers.

Replace Cellular Towers

Losing just one cell phone tower site can cause localized dead spots in the area where you need to communicate.

Key Takeaways

Prototype

Research Methods

🔵 We conducted a survey specifically designed for college students when they were our target audience. Because the information was so specific to them we decided to disregard the insights we got from these responses

​🔵 People don’t feel prepared for natural disasters
🔵Most people feel scared and concerned about natural disasters​
🔵 They don’t know where to find resources or help​
🔵 Family and close friends typically make up someone’s support system​
🔵 People wish they received disaster education, as well as information and resources when a disaster hits​
🔵 Most rely on their friends for help and guidance

🔵 Local volunteers and organizations are the true first responders​
🔵 The relief and recovery process takes a very long time to start​
🔵 Information from the top is ineffectively spread to the general population
​🔵 The relief and recovery process takes a very long time to start​
🔵 Planning is extremely important
​🔵 There is a lot of good information out there, but it’s hard to find what you need​

🔵 Getting in contact with family and friends is
important to people
​🔵 Gathering as much information as possible is a top priority for people​
🔵 Most people don’t own or use a secondary
a device that does not rely on cell service, but
would be willing to use a radio device
​🔵 People lean on their community for information and support before, during, and after natural disasters

Process Book

Want to know more about our Product and the Process you can download the file below.

Download