LEAP
Self-help kiosk for women in Domestic Violence Shelters
My Role
UX Researcher, UI/UX Designer
Team
3 Students/Designers with different responsibilities
Category
Trauma-Informed Design
LEAP
Self-help kiosk for women in Domestic Violence Shelters
My Role
UX Researcher, UI/UX Designer
Team
3 Students/Designers with different responsibilities
Category
Trauma-Informed Design
What We Built and Why?
What We Built and Why?
A self-supportive kiosk, situated in a secure location within a domestic violence shelter, is designed to assist survivors with financial, legal, and emotional resources tailored to needs.
The solution aims to provide an easier, more accessible, and interactive process for seeking help when they need it most. Women experiencing violence has been exponentially spiking up in the last few years, and the stats are staggering…
A self-supportive kiosk, situated in a secure location within a domestic violence shelter, is designed to assist survivors with financial, legal, and emotional resources tailored to needs.
The solution aims to provide an easier, more accessible, and interactive process for seeking help when they need it most.
Women experiencing violence has been exponentially spiking up in the last few years, and the stats are staggering…
8 million+
8 million+
Women experience intimate partner violence in a year
Women experience intimate partner violence in a year
1 in 3 women
1 in 3 women
Experienced physical violence, rape, stalking
Experienced physical violence, rape, stalking
107,859
107,859
Women served in California shelters last year
Women served in California shelters last year
Case studies are best viewed in Desktop
The Problem Statement
The Problem Statement
How Might We amplify easy access for distressed women in Domestic Violence Shelters to all essential legal, financial, and emotional resources around them?
How Might We amplify easy access for distressed women in Domestic Violence Shelters to all essential legal, financial, and emotional resources around them?
The Solution
The Solution
Our solution, available at a kiosk within a secure location inside a shelter, would help a survivor find the associated legal, financial and emotional resources as per their need. This would reduce their manual barrier to access, reduce delays and ensure sense of security, agency and privacy. We also did Concept Testing and Hallway Testing to finalize our design directions.
Our solution, available at a kiosk within a secure location inside a shelter, would help a survivor find the associated legal, financial and emotional resources as per their need. This would reduce their manual barrier to access, reduce delays and ensure sense of security, agency and privacy. We also did Concept Testing and Hallway Testing to finalize our design directions.
Empathetic & Secure Onboarding
An comforting, supportive message that provides a concise introduction to the solution, offering comfort and reassurance to the user—this is what sets our solution apart.
For user safety, an always accessible Exit Now button. To maintain user privacy and flexibility, access to resources without personal data sharing.
Empathetic & Secure Onboarding
An comforting, supportive message that provides a concise introduction to the solution, offering comfort and reassurance to the user—this is what sets our solution apart.
For user safety, an always accessible Exit Now button. To maintain user privacy and flexibility, access to resources without personal data sharing.
Comprehensive Need-based Support
Addresses legal, financial, and emotional needs through brief, progressive questions, providing relevant resources based on responses. To create a shared understanding of the language of our users, we used simple, supportive language and visuals to ensure accessibility and reduce stress.
A consistent "EXIT NOW" button promotes user safety and agency, especially for those experiencing abuse.
Comprehensive Need-based Support
Addresses legal, financial, and emotional needs through brief, progressive questions, providing relevant resources based on responses. To create a shared understanding of the language of our users, we used simple, supportive language and visuals to ensure accessibility and reduce stress.
A consistent "EXIT NOW" button promotes user safety and agency, especially for those experiencing abuse.
Instant & Independent Access to Resources
Access and search all resources by location and category, and personalize using key filters like budget and distance. Each cards display details, expertise, and availability for informed decisions.
To avoid a digital footprint, users can share details via print or disguised email. Intuitive cards simplify complex information, allowing direct access without a case manager, reducing barriers and enabling access anytime.
Instant & Independent Access to Resources
Access and search all resources by location and category, and personalize using key filters like budget and distance. Each cards display details, expertise, and availability for informed decisions.
To avoid a digital footprint, users can share details via print or disguised email. Intuitive cards simplify complex information, allowing direct access without a case manager, reducing barriers and enabling access anytime.
Why we Chose Kiosk as Breakpoint?
We opted for a 32-inch kiosk to ensure anonymous interaction and minimal data collection. This kiosk offers versatile placement within or outside the shelter.
Recognizing that survivors may not always have a secure and accessible phone, the kiosk provides anytime access, making it an ideal choice.
Why we Chose Kiosk as Breakpoint?
We opted for a 32-inch kiosk to ensure anonymous interaction and minimal data collection. This kiosk offers versatile placement within or outside the shelter.
Recognizing that survivors may not always have a secure and accessible phone, the kiosk provides anytime access, making it an ideal choice.
The Process
The Process
How Big is The Problem?
How Big is The Problem?
California has been facing challenges in providing sufficient support and resources to Domestic Violence(DV) survivors. The areas of help can be divided into three main categories and the respective statistics associated with it, are:
California has been facing challenges in providing sufficient support and resources to Domestic Violence(DV) survivors. The areas of help can be divided into three main categories and the respective statistics associated with it, are:
LEGAL
LEGAL
1 : 6415
1 : 6415
Ratio of legal aid lawyers to the women in need per 2017.
Only 11% shelters provide legal aid
Ratio of legal aid lawyers to the women in need per 2017.
Only 11% shelters provide legal aid
FINANCIAL
FINANCIAL
20% - 60%
20% - 60%
That many lose jobs due to DV cases and 84% (of 3400 shelters) need help with finances and housing
That many lose jobs due to DV cases and 84% (of 3400 shelters) need help with finances and housing
EMOTIONAL
EMOTIONAL
30% - 60%
30% - 60%
More likely to meet PTSD criteria and 2 times more likely to suffer from major depression & sleep disorder
More likely to meet PTSD criteria and 2 times more likely to suffer from major depression & sleep disorder
Who Are We Designing For?
Who Are We Designing For?
Deriving Insights from Interviews
Deriving Insights from Interviews
Navigating a susceptible subject with limited prior information, we proactively interviewed a diverse set of participants. With the time constraint of a week, we were able to interview 4 people:
Navigating a susceptible subject with limited prior information, we proactively interviewed a diverse set of participants. With the time constraint of a week, we were able to interview 4 people:
2 Experts
2 Experts
One with 20+ years as a socially impactful designer, the other with 13 years in a gender-based violence NGO
One with 20+ years as a socially impactful designer, the other with 13 years in a gender-based violence NGO
1 Shelter Manager
1 Shelter Manager
Case manager & shelter head for the last 7 years in SF
Case manager & shelter head for the last 7 years in SF
1 Survivor/Expert
1 Survivor/Expert
Survivor who has been working with DV for 10 years now
Survivor who has been working with DV for 10 years now
Safety is Paramount
Preserving data privacy, refraining from needless personal queries, obtaining approval, anonymizing personal data
Sensitivity
Asking well-informed conversational questions.Assisting and not imposing resources of help
Emotional Value in Design
Include emotional value in design by communicating hope, control, validation and not intimidating by being concise and simple
Agency
Autonomy of choice, respecting that they may not want to use help even if they have access
Manager to Survivor Ratio
Manager to survivor ratio is low- requiring need for assistance and personalized access to resources
Key Insights
Safety is Paramount
Preserving data privacy, refraining from needless personal queries, obtaining approval, anonymizing personal data
Sensitivity
Asking well-informed conversational questions.
Assisting and not imposing resources of help
Emotional Value in Design
Include emotional value in design by communicating hope, control, validation and not intimidating by being concise and simple
Agency
Autonomy of choice, respecting that they may not want to use help even if they have access
Manager to Survivor Ratio
Manager to survivor ratio is low- requiring need for assistance and personalized access to resources
Key Insights
Safety is Paramount
Preserving data privacy, refraining from needless personal queries, obtaining approval, anonymizing personal data
Sensitivity
Asking well-informed conversational questions.
Assisting and not imposing resources of help
Emotional Value in Design
Include emotional value in design by communicating hope, control, validation and not intimidating by being concise and simple
Agency
Autonomy of choice, respecting that they may not want to use help even if they have access
Manager to Survivor Ratio
Manager to survivor ratio is low- requiring need for assistance and personalized access to resources
Key Insights
Taking Directions to Decisions
Taking Directions to Decisions
We identified 2 areas of opportunities - first, helping women identify signs of abuse outside the shelter and second, associating necessary resources with women in need. We did Concept Testing and Hallway Testing to finalize our design directions.
We identified 2 areas of opportunities - first, helping women identify signs of abuse outside the shelter and second, associating necessary resources with women in need. We did Concept Testing and Hallway Testing to finalize our design directions.
Exploration 1
Exploration 1
Digital Kiosk set discreetly in a private unit in women's public restroom.
To identify and address abuse, we'll ask general questions and offer assistance based on the danger assessment, without requiring physical evidence.
Digital Kiosk set discreetly in a private unit in women's public restroom.
To identify and address abuse, we'll ask general questions and offer assistance based on the danger assessment, without requiring physical evidence.
Exploration 2
Exploration 2
Digital Kiosk set in a secure location inside the shelter (eg. case manager's office) ensures privacy and confidentiality.
Accessible anytime, women can explore financial, legal, and emotional resources and share with themselves for future reference
Digital Kiosk set in a secure location inside the shelter (eg. case manager's office) ensures privacy and confidentiality.
Accessible anytime, women can explore financial, legal, and emotional resources and share with themselves for future reference
Why we chose Exploration 2?
Why we chose Exploration 2?
Cons of exploration 1
Cons of exploration 1
Pros of exploration 2
Pros of exploration 2
Behind the Scenes
Behind the Scenes
Our design prioritizes trauma-informed principles, emphasizing user safety, agency, trust, and hope. We've integrated these considerations into design elements, including illustrations, color choices, navigation, form filling, micro-interactions, information load, and content.
Our design prioritizes trauma-informed principles, emphasizing user safety, agency, trust, and hope. We've integrated these considerations into design elements, including illustrations, color choices, navigation, form filling, micro-interactions, information load, and content.
Incorporating Trauma-Informed Design
Glancing through Interaction Design Principles
For details, view this in desktop
Incorporating Trauma-Informed Design Principles
For details, view this in desktop
Glancing through Interaction Design Principles
For details, view this in desktop
Humanising the Design System
Choosing Purple
Associated with prevention and awareness of DV
Shows unity of strength, solidarity & warmth
Eye-catching color, effective for creating visibility and recognition
COLOR PALETTE
TYPOGRAPHY
Aa
Aa
Red Hat Display
Balances the seriousness of the issue and the supportive & warm persona of our solution
Due to legibility and readability reasons on a kiosk
The Purple Flower symbol
Survivor insights reveal nature brings peace
The purple flower symbolizes courage and femininity
Memorability
MEDIA SELECTION
CONTENT DESIGN
Trauma-informed content principles
Texts are supportive and assistive
Sense of agency and hope
Always assertive
Plain language
Never imposing, always supporting
MICRO INTERACTIONS
Soft and subtle micro-animations
Doesn't overwhelm with too many changes
Smooth transitions like dissolve to not surprise the user and instill a moment of calmness
ICONS
For details, view this in desktop
Humanising the Design System
Choosing Purple
Associated with prevention and awareness of DV
Shows unity of strength, solidarity & warmth
Eye-catching color, effective for creating visibility and recognition
COLOR PALETTE
TYPOGRAPHY
Aa
Aa
Red Hat Display
Balances the seriousness of the issue and the supportive & warm persona of our solution
Due to legibility and readability reasons on a kiosk
The Purple Flower symbol
Survivor insights reveal nature brings peace
The purple flower symbolizes courage and femininity
Memorability
MEDIA SELECTION
CONTENT DESIGN
Trauma-informed content principles
Texts are supportive and assistive
Sense of agency and hope
Always assertive
Plain language
Never imposing, always supporting
MICRO INTERACTIONS
Soft and subtle micro-animations
Doesn't overwhelm with too many changes
Smooth transitions like dissolve to not surprise the user and instill a moment of calmness
ICONS
For details, view this in desktop
Key
Learnings
Key Learnings
Empathy-Driven Inclusive Research and Design
Empathy-Driven Inclusive Research and Design
Designing for survivors requires deep empathy and contextual understanding to avoid assumptive decisions and harm.
Being inclusive of the participants we include in research and crafting questions that respect the person and the sensitivity of the topic
Acknowledging individual abilities, mental models and limitations, we designed especially for people in distress
Designing for survivors requires deep empathy and contextual understanding to avoid assumptive decisions and harm.
Being inclusive of the participants we include in research and crafting questions that respect the person and the sensitivity of the topic
Acknowledging individual abilities, mental models and limitations, we designed especially for people in distress
Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Strategic Prioritization
Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Strategic Prioritization
We partnered with shelter managers for insights, met with a survivor for firsthand understanding, and consulted design experts for guidance.
We completed this project in 3 weeks, including research, ideation, and a high-fidelity prototype, prioritizing methods for effective delivery.
We partnered with shelter managers for insights, met with a survivor for firsthand understanding, and consulted design experts for guidance.
We completed this project in 3 weeks, including research, ideation, and a high-fidelity prototype, prioritizing methods for effective delivery.
Thoughts From My Mentor
Thoughts From My Mentor
In the classroom, I've had the opportunity to witness Ruchira's dedication to mastering her craft as well as her innate ability to bring out the best in her teammates. She approaches Design and Research with creativity and methodological rigor. She has my highest recommendations!
Ruchira was part of a team working on "Shaping the Future of Education" that won the 2024 Outstanding Startup Impact Award at the California College of the Arts. There is no doubt in my mind that there will be many more awards to come for Ruchira in the future.
In the classroom, I've had the opportunity to witness Ruchira's dedication to mastering her craft as well as her innate ability to bring out the best in her teammates. She approaches Design and Research with creativity and methodological rigor. She has my highest recommendations!
Ruchira was part of a team working on "Shaping the Future of Education" that won the 2024 Outstanding Startup Impact Award at the California College of the Arts. There is no doubt in my mind that there will be many more awards to come for Ruchira in the future.
Always ready to talk - let's connect!
Email me at ruchirabiswas97@gmail.com
Drop a text +1 628-358-1287
Always ready to talk - let's connect!
Email me at ruchirabiswas97@gmail.com
Drop a text +1 628-358-1287
Always ready to talk -
let's connect!
Email me at ruchirabiswas97@gmail.com
Drop a text +1 628-358-1287
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