What is the problem?

What is the problem? Over the past few weeks, we learned there are too many problems in HADR missions to solve. We have interviewed Nurses, Doctors, Marines, pilots, directors, firemen, lawyers and professors who all have experience in Humanitarian Assistance. Each interview gives us insight into the problems first responders face. From a lack of communication and slow bureaucratic responses, to Doctor’s without proper medical supplies; it is impossible to create a solution that will solve every problem. We are still struggling to understand the problem and continue each week to re-work our problem statement. Our updated problem statement is:

HADR operatives CANNOT:

Locate people
Attain information about the status of critical infrastructures and supplies needed
Coordinate their responses efficiently during disasters

AS A RESULT…

Information, time, and resources are wasted
And human lives are lost

We want to develop an app that will share valuable information about the victims, resources needed, and conditions of the critical infrastructures. The app will also allow first responders to communicate with their directors more efficiently. Now that our problem statement has narrowed, it will be easier for us to ask the right questions during interviews and extract better information. Here are some takeaways from our week:

Jackie- Facebook Security Check in allows people to crowdsource support (food, water, other supplies) within their community during a crisis.

Cesar- People should have offline texts with what information they need for a disaster so they are prepared if cell service goes down.

Adam- Our app will have to be big data wise. Cloud based management could help here. Our solution should be able to work on multiple devices

Emma- Understanding the MMC more.

Will- When new technology arises, one big hurdle is getting people to ‘buy into’ using it.

← https://sites.lib.jmu.edu/h4dspring2017/2017/03/02/the-comic/ https://sites.lib.jmu.edu/h4dspring2017/2017/02/23/a-day-in-the-life/ →