SAM System

Client Industry

Public Sector

Business Problem

Improve user experience and ease of use during stressful emergency situations

Role on Project

Design & Research

Project Type

Reskin of unique device hardware

Requirements & Constraints

Custom technology platform with design limitations
Easy to use for fire fighters wearing thick gloves
Readability at a distance
“Cool” design to appeal to fire fighter persona

Design

Saving Lives

This project was one of the most unique cases that I have ever had to design for. The pressure of making a poor design choice could mean the difference between life and death in the event of a fire. Extra care and testing had to be done to ensure that firefighters would be able to use the system.

Touch Screen & Gloves

There are plenty of research examples for ideal button sizes. The issue is that none of that research accounts for thick fireproof gloves. I had to design the interface such that it would be 100% responsive in even the worst situations.

Skeuomorphism

Firefighters are familiar with firetruck interfaces of knobs, buttons, switches, and levers. The challenge was how to convert that to a digital experience while keeping a sense of familiarity with all of their existing training. I used a skeuomorphic elements to help introduce a new concept to the trade.