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Central

Central Park Safety App

The focus of this research project is to examine the behaviors of Central Park visitors with the aim of developing an application that prioritizes safety, effective communication, and operational efficiency.

Origin Story 

Central Park has numerous trails and activity areas that

 people can go venture and interact with. 

However, there is a lack of safety in certain areas of the park, where users do not have a direct connection to help if something were to happen to them, especially at night. There are also a lot of homeless people that sleep in different areas of the park at night and people who are walking or jogging by would not know. In addition, it can be hard to see things among the trees and bushes.

Project Overview 

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This research project focuses on creating a safety application tailored for Central Park, enabling park visitors to access features such as location tracking, park maps, trail and attraction details, real-time monitoring of safety concerns, direct communication with law enforcement for assistance or reporting suspicious incidents, and the ability to share their location with contacts in case of emergencies.

Goals

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To alleviate safety concerns and empower park visitors to carefully plan their trips for a seamless and delightful experience, regardless of the time of day, the top priority is ensuring their safety. The Central app offers users peace of mind as it enables them to navigate the park with prior knowledge of active real time alerts. With quick access to the police in seconds, visitors can feel secure even in moments of unease.

 

Additionally, users have the option to share their location with trusted individuals who can monitor their well-being, offering an extra layer of security. Moreover, the app keeps everyone informed about any reported crimes or suspicious activity across different park areas, eliminating the need to physically investigate. Lastly, visitors can preview entire trail routes, allowing them to make informed decisions about their chosen paths before embarking on their journey.

Opportunity

Many park-goers express a desire for increased awareness regarding park activity, especially during the nighttime or daytime when safety concerns can arise. They're eager for a solution that keeps them informed about events or who is in the park, whether it's people taking a leisurely stroll or others engaging in less desirable activities. 

 

Additionally, there's a suggestion for implementing a kiosk system similar to those found on college campuses, providing visitors with a readily accessible means to request assistance or help when needed, further enhancing the overall park experience and safety.

Requirements

The ideal solution to address these key requirements should be designed with a user-friendly approach and accuracy in mind. Accessibility and time efficiency are paramount, meaning that users should be able to access the system swiftly whenever needed. Customizability is essential to cater to individual preferences and needs, allowing users to tailor the experience to their liking.

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To meet safety needs, the system must have seamless direct access to the police and emergency services, enabling users to contact them immediately in case of an emergency. It should also support location sharing capabilities, facilitating communication and monitoring for added security. The system's ability to actively update in real-time is crucial, as it should constantly reflect new information and developments, ensuring users stay well-informed about park activity and safety conditions.

Competition

Citizen App

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This application sends real-time safety alerts based on users' locations, keeping them informed about active reports, live broadcasts, and providing the option to engage in live video streams and comment on events unfolding in their vicinity.

 

Waze App

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This application provides users with real time driving directions and live updates on police sightings, construction, traffic conditions, and accidents to enhance their driving experience.

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Research Demographics 

Primarily catering to the dynamic demographic of individuals aged 25-54, the target audience focuses on regular Central Park visitors, including individuals who both work and leisurely enjoy the park's amenities. Among them, joggers and walkers, typically showcasing a dynamic and active demographic.

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Jen,  NY

“There should be like a kiosk system similar to what college campuses have so that if I go up to it I can ask for help or assistance”

Alex, NY

“I think it would be really nice if there was something that could tell me whos walking or using areas of the park at night or even during the day. You never know what weird stuff is going on or if theres homeless people sleeping there. “

Research Methods 

The key research approaches include: 

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Field Study

Used to measure the different behaviors and approaches of people in a public environment.

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Interviews

Used to gather information on Central park users, thought process and overall mindset while navigating the park.

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Surveys

Used to quickly gather information on challenges, personal experiences and changes people would like to be introduced.

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Key Issues 

01

Safety

02

Lack of Digital Map

The lack of visibility in certain areas, limited police presence, and the potential for isolated spots to become havens for criminal activity contribute to these concerns. While Central Park is generally safe during the day and well-traveled by visitors and locals alike, caution is advised after dark. It's essential for individuals to stay in well-lit, populated areas, avoid secluded sections, and be aware of their surroundings.

Its confusing pathways, numerous trails and varying landscapes leave visitors feeling disoriented. The signs in the park are not clear and can result in visitors finding themselves lost, stumbling upon hidden gems and unexpected discoveries, while also yearning for a more user-friendly system.

03

Park at Night 

Unsafe place at night due to reduced visibility, limited surveillance, and decreased foot traffic. After dark, it  becomes more isolated and less patrolled, creating opportunities for criminal activities to occur. Visitors often opt for well-lit and populated areas being aware of their surroundings to minimize potential risks associated with exploring the park at night.

  • To be able to receive updates about ongoing reports and events so that they can plan their visit accordingly 

  • A map to see the park

  • Be able to quickly access information on the go

  • To view broadcasts and live videos from users

  • Be able to leave comments about events going on in the area

User Needs

Night Runner Persona

Max, 25

Demographics​

  • From New York

  • Very athletic: likes to run and ride his bicycle

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Goal:

Max is a dedicated Central Park runner, who typically enjoys his morning jogs. However, occasional work commitments force him to switch to evening runs. In the morning, he follows a well-planned routine to steer clear of crowds. In contrast, nighttime runs pose a different challenge where the path becomes dimly lit, isolated, and tricky to traverse. Consequently, for his own safety, Max is compelled to modify his route, opting for areas with higher foot traffic during his evening workouts.

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Parent Persona

Jennifer, 45

Demographics:

  • Lives in Manhattan with her family

  • Has 2 children under the age of 10

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Goal:

​Jennifer enjoys bringing her two children to the Central Park playground, but the experience can become quite overwhelming. The high volume of visitors often makes it challenging for her kids to fully enjoy the amenities. Moreover, she must remain vigilant for her children's safety, as there are often homeless individuals resting in the park and people with unusual behavior wandering about, requiring her constant attention.

Product Concept

The Central app's core idea is to deliver real-time location-based safety alerts to its users. Users can stay informed about ongoing reports, watch live broadcasts, view live video feeds, and even leave comments about events happening in their vicinity while in Central Park. Additionally, this app provides users with direct access to emergency services should the need arise. Access to the app is available via users' mobile phones, where they can input their personal information and even share access with friends and family for added safety and convenience.

My Product

An app that is dedicated to Central park users, that values safety, real time updates on activity in the park and access to emergency services.

Screens from App  

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Emergency Services Screen
Live Stream Screen
Live Feed Screen
Live Updates & Map Screen
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Report Incident Screen
Location Services Screen

App Prototype

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User Testing Results

In recent user testing results, participants successfully completed each task quickly, demonstrating the app's efficiency and user-friendly interface.

 

The prototype proved to be easily navigated, with a user experience reminiscent of the Citizens app. Users reported that they could find tasks effortlessly and expressed a desire to click on specific tabs for more information.

 

The map screens and Live Feed tabs were readily located, contributing to the overall positive user experience. Additionally, users really appreciated the inclusion of a community section, further enhancing the platform's functionality and user engagement.

ANEISHA KANDHAI

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