Navis is a conceptual emergency preparedness system that combines behavior change research with the possibilities of emerging technology to reduce barriers to emergency planning and help people better assist their communities during a crisis.
Joan Stoeckle, Associate Design Director
Paige Ormiston, Senior Designer
Emma Nestvold, Senior Designer
Jackson Chu, Design Director
Jasmine Whiting, Senior Marketing and Content Manager
Matthew Jordan, Executive Creative Director
Strategy and design firm Artefact designed Navis, a conceptual emergency preparedness system that guides people in planning for, and responding to, crisis scenarios. The app uses conversational UI and augmented reality to help people create a personalized emergency plan on their preferred devices. The durable polycarbonate home hub helps people stay connected during an emergency and translate plans into action.
From Hurricane Sandy to the California Wildfires and of course the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters and large-scale emergencies are on the rise, yet only 48% of Americans have an emergency plan, according to FEMA. This lack of preparedness contributes to broader consequences in communities, as panic-driven behavior, resource shortages, and pressure on vulnerable populations worsen a crisis. Neighbors are often first to respond in emergencies, making it crucial that communities are well-equipped to act.
Reducing barriers to preparation
The Navis concept makes emergency planning easy by reducing barriers to preparation. The app provides a guided, conversational onboarding experience that can be conducted from a device of choice, generating a personalized plan for relevant risk scenarios. An AR scanning feature lets users visualize the possible impact of a crisis on their home, such as detecting dangerous items or exits that may become blocked and generating insights like places to shelter.
Guiding action during a crisis
During a disaster, Navis helps people put emergency plans into action by alerting them to the status of family members or prompting them to address safety issues in the home, such as turning off a gas line. The ultra-durable polycarbonate Navis home hub provides connectivity and access to personalized plans, even when smartphones or other devices are compromised. Additionally, as a mesh network node, we envisioned the hub to connect with other hubs or smartphones nearby, creating a resilient local network.
Supporting community resilience
The skill-sharing feature of the Navis app helps people connect with and support those in need nearby, such as seniors or immunocompromised individuals who may need assistance getting groceries or refilling prescriptions. Connecting people to a local community of prepared homes empowers neighbors to support each other.
Navis is a systems solution that aims to address the community challenge of emergency preparedness, from individual to neighborhood. Forming a network of prepared households will allow communities to support vulnerable neighbors and become more resilient. Navis demonstrates how responsible design can encourage equitable experiences and positive community impact.
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