SafeHere

Project Description

Using the SafeHere smartphone app, direct and discreet communication between local businesses and safety ambassadors allows for a more secure experience for visitors along Main Street, Santa Monica.

Problem

Without COVID-19 vaccines available yet to the public, visitors along Santa Monica’s Main Street felt uncomfortable being within close proximity to others who did not follow health regulations, such as social distancing and wearing face masks. Besides calling the police, which interrupts valuable time where they could be assisting more urgent situations, the lack of a standard manner to address non-emergency safety concerns negatively impacted businesses, as local establishments dealt with many complaints from customers.

Insights

Research data indicated that visitors want a place to report COVID-related health concerns; they want to be heard and responded to. As incidents may often occur suddenly and can range from a variety of types, users need a quick, intuitive, and discreet way to report an issue without compromising their own safety. In order to ensure high-quality and prevent any reporting based on discrimination, users would need to be held accountable to the types of reports they are making. By offering SafeHere to businesses, where their employees create the reports, businesses could gain control over their space and lessen the workload for visitors themselves, allowing them to focus on an enjoyable experience.

Solutions

Through real-time incident reporting, visitors feel an absence of authority when it comes to enforcing safety protocols. With the aid of photos, videos, and brief descriptions, highly trained safety ambassadors are provided with the essential information they need to respond to incidents, where they can educate the public on local policies and promote a safe environment.