Creating a new layer of dam safety for residents of risk areas.
Made for:
Grupo Construserv
When:
2020
Role:
Designer de Produto
Designer Visual
Goal:
Our goal was to contribute to the safety of citizens who live in areas at risk of flooding and hydroelectric plant dam emergencies using technology.
Context:
Hydroelectric plants are responsible for installing mass audible alert systems, consisting of sirens that are intended to alert the population around the plant of emergencies such as flooding and dam failures.
The sirens emit an alert that must be heard throughout the Self-Rescue Zone (ZAS)¹. In the Secondary Rescue Zone (ZSS)² the alert is not mandatory.
The population residing in these areas is regularly instructed on how to react in cases of emergency, and simulations are carried out annually for training. These procedures are part of the Emergency Action Plan (PAE)³.
The local Civil Defense also carries out a study and defines Meeting Points, which are safe locations outside the ZAS. These locations are identified by signs. Another study is carried out and escape route signs are installed throughout the city and surrounding areas, which indicate the best route to reach the nearest meeting point.
¹ - Regions immediately downstream of the dam, that is, just below, where it is considered that there is not enough time for adequate intervention by civil protection services and agents in the event of an accident, such as a dam collapse.
² - Consists of the region impacted by the dam rupture outside the ZAS.
³ - The Emergency Action Plan is a set of technical and administrative procedures that must be adopted in cases of emergency with the dam to guarantee the safety of the population.
Problem:
In the areas adjacent to hydroelectric dam plants, there was a significant challenge related to emergency communication for individuals residing outside the Self-Rescue Zone (ZAS) as the installed warning sirens were not adequately audible.
Alert Siren
Alert Range
Meeting Point
ZAS - Self-Rescue Zone
ZSS - Secondary Save Zone
Image for illustration purposes only, not representing a real alert system.
Solution:
"Individual Alert" was the innovative response to this problem. As an intuitive and user-friendly app, it not only emits audible alerts on the user's smartphone in case of emergencies, but also provides maps to guide residents to safe meeting points designated by Civil Defense.
Dam status
The app provides real-time updates on the dam status (Sound Test, Safe, Alert, and Emergency). The app's interface also communicates the status through the colors of the components.
Sound test
App in blue color, no action required.
My contribution:
I was instrumental at every phase of this project, playing a pivotal role from conception to execution. Initially, I contributed to the innovative idea, name, and visual identity of the app, ensuring it aligned with safety and usability objectives.
During the development phase, I worked hand in hand with the technical team, facilitating communication and ensuring that the design and functionalities accurately reflected the initial vision. Each feature was meticulously crafted to ensure intuitiveness and efficiency, from sonic alerts to assisted navigation for evacuation routes.
Additionally, I led the testing phase, ensuring the app not only met but exceeded performance and safety standards. Necessary adjustments were identified and effectively implemented, ensuring a high-quality final product.
Project phases:
Conception:
Ideation and conception of name and visual identity;
Identification and mapping of key functionalities.
Development:
Close collaboration with the development team;
Implementation of functionalities and intuitive design.
Testing and Iteration:
Conducting tests to ensure optimized functionality and usability;
Fine-tuning enhancements based on received feedback.
Launch:
Publication of the app, now available for Android and iOS.
