Project Overview
The mFisheries project aimed to improve the livelihoods of small-scale fisherfolk in the Caribbean through the use of mobile applications. One of the key applications developed was focused on providing emergency assistance and signals to enhance safety for fishermen at sea. This app was designed to leverage mobile technology to address the safety concerns and challenges faced by fisherfolk during their fishing activities.
Problem Statement
Small-scale fisherfolk in the Caribbean often encounter hazardous situations while at sea, including adverse weather conditions and equipment malfunctions. The lack of immediate communication channels and access to emergency services puts their safety at risk. The mFisheries project aimed to bridge this gap by designing an application that would enable fishermen to send emergency signals and receive first aid guidance using their mobile phones.
Goals and Objectives
The primary goal of the emergency assistance app was to provide a reliable and accessible communication tool for fishermen to call for help in case of emergencies. The app aimed to offer a user-friendly interface, integrate with mobile networks, and provide real-time assistance through SMS. The specific objectives included designing an intuitive interface, integrating Twilio SMS services for emergency alerts, and conducting user testing for usability and effectiveness.
Research and Planning
The development of the emergency assistance app began with extensive research on the specific safety needs and communication challenges faced by fisherfolk during their fishing activities. The planning phase involved identifying the necessary features for the app, such as a distress signal button, GPS location tracking, and a database of first aid information.
Design and Development Process
The design process focused on creating a simple and intuitive interface that could be easily navigated, even by users with limited digital literacy. The interface featured a prominent distress signal button, clear instructions for emergency situations, and options to share location details with emergency contacts.
The development phase included integrating Twilio SMS services to enable users to send distress signals and receive assistance via text messages. The team worked on incorporating GPS functionality to accurately pinpoint the user's location and included a database of first aid instructions that could be accessed in emergencies.
Challenges and Solutions
One of the challenges in developing the emergency assistance app was ensuring reliable SMS communication, especially in areas with limited network coverage. To address this, the team optimized the app to work efficiently even in low-connectivity scenarios. Additionally, the user interface design had to balance simplicity with the inclusion of essential features.
Results and Impact
The emergency assistance app successfully integrated Twilio SMS services, enabling users to send distress signals to designated emergency contacts. The app also provided access to first aid instructions, enhancing safety measures for fisherfolk. The project's impact was seen in improved communication during emergencies and increased safety awareness among the target users.
Learnings and Reflections
Integrating Twilio SMS services in the emergency assistance app was a crucial step to ensure effective communication during critical situations. This experience highlighted the importance of collaborating with third-party services to enhance app functionality. The project underscored the significance of user-centered design, particularly when catering to users with varying levels of digital literacy.