Connecting Loved Ones in Times of Natural Disasters

As part of a team that competed in the Rotman Design Challenge, we were posed the challenge 

How might we find immediate relief to people who have been impacted by natural disasters

Through this, we were able to come up with a solution called SafeSMS, that helps connect individuals, families and relief responders who are located in developing and oftentimes, data challenged countries by building a database using SMS technology.

By providing used cell phones that are repurposed as a beacons, we would be able to connect at risk individuals who have limited technological access, with messages and geo-locational data so that relief can come quickly and families are reunited with the people they love most.

You can help view our video (which I co-produced) and learn more!