Overview
SafeWalk addresses NYU students' safety concerns during NYC commutes. This GPS navigation app delivers real-time threat alerts in the user's vicinity and enables instant incident reporting, promoting confidence in every journey. 


︎ Hi-Fi Prototype

Tool
Figma

Timeline
Apr-May 2023 (Updated Sep 2024)

Skills
User Research
UI Design
Journey Maps
Wireframes
Prototypes
Responsive Web Design
WCAG Standards

Problem Statement

The main problem NYU students face is having to navigate the city alone late at night due to late classes and meetings, and being exposed to risks of theft, assault, and violence. Their current options, such as FaceTiming friends or using NYU shuttles, are not always reliable. Rising Asian hate crimes and NYC's increasing crime rate amplify these safety concerns.

A mobile app that sends a preset message to six contacts with just one click to ensure the safety of college students. 

Strengths: Simple functionality
Weaknesses: Outdated design theme
Opportunities: Only developed as a project idea, unavailable on the App Store
Threats: High efficiency and punctuality

A mobile app that estimates arrival time, triggers an alarm if not deactivated by the ETA, enables real-time texting with campus safety, and allows location sharing.

Strengths: Configured by the universities the user is associated with
Weaknesses: Limit availability to certain universities
Opportunities: Complex usability, confusing instructions
Threats: Direct links to important university resources

Name: Jane Lee
Age: 21
Occupation: NYU student

Jane is a sophomore who often spends long hours in the library and attends evening extracurricular activities.

Goals
To feel safe and secure while walking around NYC alone, especially at night

Priorities
Safety is her top priority, especially when walking at night after studying or attending events on campus

Needs & Expectations
Service that is available 24/7
Fast safety alerts to react quickly to any potential dangers

Pains
Fear of facing racism, violence, and harassment while walking
Insufficient NYU shuttle bus service as it isn't always available

Solution Statement

Amid rising crime rates, NYU students face growing safety concerns when walking alone at night. A navigation app with real-time updates on NYPD locations and potential threats would enhance their sense of security. This community-driven app allows students, faculty, staff, and Campus Safety to report incidents, effectively alerting others and improving safety.

Color Contrast

Selected color combinations that meet accessibility standards, passing WCAG tests to guarantee sufficient contrast between foreground and background elements.

Icon

Designed clear and intuitive icons to ensure effortless user understanding and navigation.

Content Strategy

Prioritized clear and concise content in the app to present information effectively, benefiting users with cognitive disabilities or reading challenges.

Round 1 Findings

Saving locations like home and library is convenient for users with consistent routes

Setting the destination and current location is perceived as confusing

Using a pastel color for a 'Report' button can be misleading

Round 2 Findings

Excessive warning signs can overwhelm users

Displaying remaining time and distance while navigating is desired

International users prefer the metric system over the imperial system

︎ Hi-Fi Prototype
︎ Figma Design Board

The designs for screen size variation included tablets and desktops.
I optimized the designs to fit the specific user needs of each device and screen size.

︎ Go to Hi-Fi Prototype
︎ Go to Figma Design Board

Impact

This app boosts users' confidence and sense of safety when walking alone in the city. Many expressed interest in using it if developed.

One peer shared,
"I’d definitely use this app, as I often feel uneasy walking back to my dorm after witnessing situations I’d rather avoid."

What I Learned

I learned that user-centered design is key. Understanding the needs and concerns of the target users guided every design decision which eventually led to a successful project.

I also learned that gathering user insights is essential because they can offer new perspectives including both metric and imperial systems for distance, making the app more inclusive.

1

Conduct research on how successful the app is in helping students feel more safe when commuting in NYC.

2

Promote the app actively through the Safe Walk website and encourage the users to share their experiences with others.

3

Make regular updates and improvements to enhance the user experience and app functionality.