In conjunction with the Disaster Management Initiative, a partnership between Carnegie Mellon University and NASA IRG (Intelligent Robotics Group), I conducted product research and prototyping for Responder Maps. Envisioned as a mapping tool (or common operating plan) to assist first responders, Responder Maps addresses constraints faced by fire agencies operating across multiple jurisdictions with incomplete situational awareness. As a UX researcher, my activities were aimed at analysing workflows to better define the product and validate initial directions. While funding for the project did not extend to building the final product, the research shared with working groups at NASA and CMU supplied insights for dealing with multiple jurisdictions at various levels of technical capability.
The following artifacts and activities were employed to validate user needs and define core features and functionality:
Used in early stage requirements gathering, artifacts including swimlane diagrams, storyboards, and mockups served as discussion points for evaluating services and solutions.