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.

Functionalities

Functionalities

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 alert

In case of emergency, the user receives an audible alert.

Sound alert

In case of emergency, the user receives an audible alert.

Nearby meeting points

The app shows the nearest meeting points according to the user's location.

Nearby meeting points

The app shows the nearest meeting points according to the user's location.

Best escape route

When the user selects the preferred meeting point, the application plots the best route according to the location.

Best escape route

When the user selects the preferred meeting point, the application plots the best route according to the location.

Simulation notifications

Users are notified about scheduled simulations that occur annually.

Simulation notifications

Users are notified about scheduled simulations that occur annually.

Exclusive area for managers

The plant managers have access to a special area to monitor and select all controlled dams.

Exclusive area for managers

The plant managers have access to a special area to monitor and select all controlled dams.

The dam states

The dam states

Sound test

App in blue color, no action required.

Dam normal

App in green color, no action required.

Dam normal

App in green color, no action required.

Dam on alert

Yellow app, the user is instructed to check the nearest meeting point and wait for further instructions.

Dam on alert

Yellow app, the user is instructed to check the nearest meeting point and wait for further instructions.

Dam on emergency

Red colored app, the user is instructed to proceed according to the PAE and go to the nearest meeting point. The app will also sound the alert.

Dam on emergency

Red colored app, the user is instructed to proceed according to the PAE and go to the nearest meeting point. The app will also sound the alert.

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.

It's alive!

*Note: Access requires credentials provided by the local power plant and civil defense.

Thanks

Thanks

Thanks

Thanks

Let's start something new together.

Or drink a nice cup of coffee and share experiences.

I’m always happy to talk. (:

Connect with me

Send me a DM

Send me an email

Let's start something new together.

Or drink a nice cup of coffee and share experiences.

I’m always happy to talk. (:

Connect with me

Send me a DM

Send me an email

Let's start something new together.

Or drink a nice cup of coffee and share experiences.

I’m always happy to talk. (:

Connect with me

Send me a DM

Send me an email

Let's start something new together.

Or drink a nice cup of coffee and share experiences.

I’m always happy to talk. (:

Connect with me

Send me a DM

Send me an email

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and developed in

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Site designed in

and developed in

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Site designed in

and developed in

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Site designed in

and developed in

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