ShockGuard
Project Overview
Aftershocks pose no less of a danger than earthquakes, especially for people in remote areas who cannot be rescued in time. When they are trapped under the rubble, aftershocks are likely to cause more casualties. It is important to consider how to quickly rescue people in remote areas to minimize the damage caused by aftershocks. Therefore, we design a rescue robot and a protective clothing to realize efficient rescue and protect people from aftershocks.
My Role
UX Researcher, Fashion Designer, Service Designer, Interaction Designer
Type
Group
Date
September 2024 - November 2024
Tool
Discover
Background Research
Causes of Earthquake
Earthquakes are vibrations of the ground triggered by the accumulation of stresses within the Earth, causing the crust to move and release energy.
Disaster Impacts
Most of earthquakes occur in the Pacific Rim seismic belt, and the disaster impacts of earthquakes are diverse.
Causes of Death
The cause of death caused by the earthquake itself is only part of the cause, and the related causes of death caused by the earthquake will also increase the number of casualties.
Why Remote Areas?
User Reasearch
Define
In the user study, we first researched the real experiences of those who experienced the earthquake in the report and summarised their needs.
Then we summarized the persona of the rescuer, the survivor, the trapped and the local government.
Persona
Technical Research
After brainstorming, we conducted technical studies to ensure feasibility.
Rescue Robot
Concept Ideation
Based on the potential points of opportunity, we brainstormed three main design directions as well as design principles.
Develop
User Journey Map
Protective Clothing
Final Concept Development
In the final concept, we sorted out the main functions of each of our three design directions in the form of an offering map.
Deliver
Rescue Earthworm Robot
Form Development
Drawing inspiration from earthworms, we designed earthquake rescue robots that can navigate tight spaces and regenerate after damage, offering enhanced potential for saving trapped victims.
Final Design - Rescue Robot
Next, we did 3D renderings and refined the functionality.
Explosive View
The next exploded view shows the internal structure of the robot in more detail and exactly what components are needed to make it function.
Protective Clothing
Insipration and Sketches
Inspired by the use of inflatable airbags in different situations, we designed a multi-purpose inflatable lifejacket, which could be delivered to the stranded people by rescue robot to protect the stranded from aftershocks.
Final Design - Helmet + Vest
Next, we did 3D renderings and refined the functionality.
Story Board - Rescue Scenario
After confirming the functionality and 3d modeling, we simulated the usage scenarios.
After earthquake, the collapsed town is full of trapped people buried under the rubble who need to be found and rescued.
The robot finds a trapped person, Jayden, whose leg is stuck in the gap. The rescue robot breaks off a section and goes deep into the rubble to confirm his survival.
After confirming his survival, the rescue robot transports a few supplies and the helmet to protect Jayden from aftershocks before he is rescued. Jayden quickly inflates the helmet. The vital signs detection patch in the helmet transmits data to the robot and the rescue team to monitor Jayden in real time.
After being rescued, Jayden comes to the shelter to collect the vests - the bottom part of the protective clothing to further prevent the damage caused by aftershocks and secondary disasters.
Prototype Testing
Making Process
Laser cut employed to precisely size boards, install tires into the holds and use glue gun to reinforce stability.
Sew the protective clothing with nylon fabric, and fill it with Trizar PCCM. Try it on and make sure the helmet and the vest can be attached and detached.
Transport and Storage Test
Fold the helmet into the robot's container and test the robot's transportation capabilities.
Vital Signs Transmission Test
Use arduino to test the functionality of the skin patch placed in the helmet to acquire vital sign information and transmit the data.
Service Blueprint
Future Envision
Service Prototyping
Test the smoothness of the current system through role-playing to ensure the integrity of the overall service. Thus, we can make sure that the product is perfectly suited to each scenario.
Real Field Testing
Conduct field tests with model at earthquake simulation experience sites or abandoned sites to ensure the activity and transmission functions of the product. This verifies the technical feasibility of the product and its smoothness when applied in an overall rescue scenario.
Real Field Testing
Conduct field tests with model at earthquake simulation experience sites or abandoned sites to ensure the activity and transmission functions of the product. This verifies the technical feasibility of the product and its smoothness when applied in an overall rescue scenario.
