Client
Inhouse Project
Industry
Health Care
Scope
Research
Ideation
Prototyping
UX/UI
Return to AbNormal: Using location platforms to aid in social distancing after the Pandemic
The Challenge: Help people return to ‘normal’ in the context of a global pandemic.
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, individuals were encouraged to ‘social distance’ in order to protect themselves and others from the virus. As it became clear Covid-19 was going to become a constant, we were faced with a question. How do we live with the virus? Simple solutions and behavioural interventions that felt more ‘natural’ became key to returning to a semblance of normality.
The Solution
As a thought experiment, Studio Fundi identified that mapping apps like City Mapper, Google Maps, or Apple maps could be used to enable individuals to gauge location congestion. Based on queueing theory, we wanted to create a way for individuals to be able to self-regulate and remain socially distant in public spaces, restaurants, stores and gyms.
We designed the concept for an app that would show the risk level of a venue. At that point, Google Maps had incorporated a feature that showed if a place was ‘busier than usual.’ However, the feature remained limited and did not help users if they were unfamiliar with the venue.
Additionally, Google Maps did not indicate what social distancing practices or pandemic precautions were in place, nor did it show whether individuals were keeping their distance from one another. The app concept was designed as a way to augment currently available maps and help get people to return to Abnormal. Users would be able to search for their desired destination and, using live data, the app would show whether the area was low, moderate or high risk.
Key Takeaway
Innovative interventions need to be accessible and scalable – even if they are only speculative.
Human-centred design that changes behaviour, solves problems and communicates big ideas.
Contact
info@studiofundi.com
+44 (0) 79 4365 4209
