Overview

The risks around us are increasing, and in many cases, we cannot handle them alone - we need immediate support from our family or friends. After reviewing several existing SOS and safety apps, I realized that many of them were not simple or comprehensive enough to truly assist users during real emergencies. This inspired me to create an app that is simpler, easier to use, and more effective.

I also wanted to include additional features to make the app genuinely helpful. Alerna is not just an SOS tool - it also provides global safety guides and survival tips to help users learn how to protect themselves in various situations. With Alerna, users can request help instantly using:

• One-tap SOS button that shares their real-time location with trusted contacts and emergency services.

A single-tap emergency button that instantly shares the user's real-time location with pre-selected trusted contacts and local emergency services. This minimizes reaction time in high-stress situations and allows help to be dispatched quickly.

• Live location tracking while the user is moving.

Once SOS is activated, the app continously updates the user's location in real time. Trusted contacts can monitor the user's movement and last known position, which is especially useful if the user is being followed or is moving through unsafe areas.

• Emergency calling.

Alerna enables instant calling to local emergency numbers or prioritized trusted contacts. The call can be triggered automatically alongside the SOS alert, eliminating the need for manual dialing during emergencies.

• Audio alerts.

The app can emit a loud emergency alarm to attract attention and deter potential threats. This feature increases visibility in public spaces and helps alert nearby people that assistance is needed.

• Silent activation.

A discreet mode that allows users to trigger SOS without making any sound or visible alert. Silent activation can be enabled through hidden gestures, making it ideal for situations where drawing attention could increase risk.

• Evidence capture.

When SOS is activated, Alerna automatically records audio, captures photos, or videos using the device's camera and microphone. All evidence is securely stored in the cloud and can be accessed later for reporting or legal purposes.

• Visual light signal.

A high-intensity flashing light uses the device's flashlight to increase visibility in low-light environments. This helps rescuers or bystanders quickly locate the user, especially at night or in isolated areas.

I developed this project over three months - from idea generation and UX research to wireframeing, UI design, and prototyping.

Under acute stress and anxiety (as often happen during dangerous situations), cognitive performance - including attentiion, decision-making, and task accuracy - is impaired. Studies show that stress can reduce the accuracy of touchscreen interaction and slow reaction times, and even the mere presence of a smartphone can interfere with working memory under threat-related conditions. These findings support the design requirement for a simple, one-tap SOS interface.

In the context of increasingly sophisticated safety threats, timely support and public awareness remain limited. In reality, many victims are inadequately equipped with self-protection skills or the ability to call for emergency assistance, leaving them highly vulnerable. This gap is what Alerna aims to address by providing a more comprehensive and effective support solution.