Over the past decade, technological advancements have revolutionized our ability to be proactive citizens, experiencing an exponential surge. I have observed that the innovation in technology has significantly contributed to progress, benefiting not only our local community but the global population as a whole. Continuous enhancements in services and alert systems, exemplified by the evolution of the Amber Alert mobile notifications, play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of everyone, particularly the young and vulnerable members of our society.
Through strategic space optimization, essential information is prioritized and actionable buttons are incorporated. This approach enhances user interaction by presenting relevant details and prompts that instill a heightened sense of urgency and importance. The deliberate arrangement of content and features aims to streamline the user experience, ensuring that users can quickly grasp critical information and respond promptly to the presented elements.
To craft a clear visual distinction for Amber alerts amidst other notifications, I embarked on a creative journey. I explored various visual elements, from distinct colors using color psychology to unique icons, seeking to find the perfect balance of clarity and impact. Through this process, I aimed to generate unique identifiers that would immediately catch the user's attention amidst a sea of notifications. I translated these brainstormed ideas into rough sketches, ensuring that information hierarchy remained paramount. By prioritizing key details and integrating proactive action elements, I aimed to empower users to respond swiftly and effectively to Amber alerts.
the biggest decisions centered around these three MVPs:
User research revealed that users perceive the Amber Alert notification as similar to any other app notification on their phone due to a lack of interactive options, leading to a fleeting concern with no follow-up. They expressed a desire for means to access additional information and guidance on how to contribute more effectively when an Amber Alert notification appears on their screens.
The collected data was then analyzed, and key issues and potential solutions were identified through affinity mapping (top image) and empathy mapping (bottom image).
In order to gain a deeper insight into the challenges users face while interacting with Amber Alert notifications, a survey involving twelve participants was conducted from diverse demographics and economic backgrounds.
Launched in October 1996, the AMBER (America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response) Alert plan, named after Amber Hagerman, celebrated its 27th anniversary in 2023. Originating in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the program has successfully recovered over 1,074 abducted children globally. Initially exclusive to radio and TV broadcast, it later expanded to mobile devices through the Wireless AMBER Alert program, allowing users to receive alerts for designated areas.
In 2012, the integration of the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) program marked a pivotal advancement. This allowed law enforcement to send AMBER Alerts directly to mobile devices, providing instant access to crucial information and photos of abducted children, suspects, and vehicles.
As of December 31, 2023, the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs reports that the AMBER Alert program has contributed to the recovery of 1,161 minors, with wireless emergency alerts playing a key role in rescuing 149 children.
Mobile Amber Alert notifications lack distinction and actionable cues, leading to user desensitization. How might we re-envision the alert experience to prompt more proactive responses from users, ensuring timely and effective engagement?
The current design of the Amber Alert Notifications on mobile devices lacks clarity and actionable elements, contributing to user desensitization when alerts appear on their phones. Users often overlook or dismiss these alerts due to a lack of distinction and meaningful guidance on potential actions. The challenge is to explore and implement design strategies that encourage users to be more proactive in responding to Amber Alert notifications, fostering a heightened sense of urgency and engagement without compromising user experience.