Small Devices to Solve Big Problems

Designing Products for Emergency Situations

Dosun Shin, Assistant Professor | Arizona State University

Introduction

We live in a rapidly globalizing world where movements of people and products occur seamlessly across the globe. Though this increased communication has brought opportunities, it has also led to definite problems. One of these problems is international terrorism. After the attacks of September 11, security has been increased and new methods of detecting threats are being developed. This requires collaboration between many people, teams, and organizations to attain the breadth of knowledge to combat evolving and elusive threats.

Currently, officials involved in addressing such concerns as bioterrorism, nuclear attacks, and so forth are politicians, scientists, and engineers. They have made great strides in advancing strategy, logistics, and technology for many emergency applications. As new technologies are discovered to fight these problems, there are more opportunities for industrial designers and engineers to develop new products that can help save us from such attacks and streamline human interaction during emergency situations.

The role of design in the development of biotechnology-based products and related communications can help first responders manage regional emergency crises caused by exposure to radiation (through dirty bombs) and biological pathogens (such as anthrax). Students and faculty from several disciplines at Arizona State University, the National Guard, city officials, and local corporations worked in collaboration to develop products to assist in the preparation, response and recovery from such disaster situations that could affect large numbers of civilians.

The difficulties faced, benefits gathered, and learned outcomes achieved through this project will be clarified in this paper. Furthermore, the discussion will explain how to connect with other organizations running large projects, how to humanize technology, and how to extend design capabilities into urban problem-solving opportunities.

File attachments: