Project Overview
This project focused on the design and development of a mobile app aimed at helping individuals and communities prevent and prepare for wildfires. Motivated by increasing wildfire threats—particularly in British Columbia, Canada—our goal was to create a user-friendly platform that leveraged AI technology to educate users, assess local risk levels, and guide emergency preparedness.
The app featured an interactive wildfire probability quiz, AI-generated heatmaps, personalized risk scores, and dynamic evacuation checklists based on user input. My contributions spanned the full design process, including research, ideation, wireframing, interface design, prototyping, and user testing. I also played a key role in managing design transitions and ensuring usability remained at the core of our product.
Key Contribution: Secondary Research, Ideation, Sketching, Wireframing, Low & High Fidelity Design, User Testing
Tools Used: UXPin, Protopie
Research & Ideation
Our initial phase began with extensive secondary research into wildfire data and prevention protocols. One key insight was that nearly 49% of wildfires are caused by human activity, which presents a significant opportunity for prevention through public education and preparedness (source: Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre).
I proposed the idea of an app that not only warns users about wildfire threats but also educates them on how to reduce risks. We defined our target audience as homeowners aged 36 and above, based on market data from REMAX Canada identifying 36 as the average age of first-time homebuyers. While my teammates developed user personas, I focused on the interaction design framework, ensuring that the app would address users' specific needs during emergencies.
Interaction Framework
Following instructor feedback, I concentrated on developing the Wildfire Probability Quiz feature. Users respond to questions about local vegetation, climate conditions, and important personal belongings. Based on this input, the system uses AI to generate:
A localized wildfire heatmap showing potential fire spread
A risk score out of 100, with thresholds indicating low or high wildfire risk
A personalized evacuation checklist tailored to the user's situation
This feature was designed not only for functionality, but also with accessibility and clarity in mind—especially for users in high-stress environments.
Visual Design & Prototype Development
I initiated the visual direction for the app, including the selection of fonts, color palettes, and overall layout to maintain a clean and professional aesthetic. Each team member created a version of the app design, and after careful discussion, we consolidated the strongest elements into a cohesive final version.
Our initial prototype was built using UXPin, but due to dissatisfaction with the limitations of its iOS UI kits, the team made a collective decision to transition to Protopie. I quickly adapted to the new software and helped refine our interactive prototype, ensuring it met both usability and technical requirements.
User Testing & Analysis
I led the development of a comprehensive user testing strategy, structured into three stages: planning, conducting, and analyzing.
In the planning phase, I established clear goals focused on measuring the app’s intuitiveness, identifying missing features, and gathering actionable user feedback. We prepared realistic test scenarios simulating wildfire emergencies to evaluate how users interacted with the app.
During the conducting phase, I emphasized ethical user testing methods: observing participants, encouraging think-aloud protocols, facilitating natural exploration, and asking targeted follow-up questions.
In the analysis phase, I created a structured approach to reviewing and synthesizing feedback. We documented key insights, noted pain points and strengths, and used the data to guide the next iteration of the prototype.
Although time constraints allowed each team member to conduct only one user test, the feedback proved highly valuable. It helped us identify usability gaps and refine key elements of the design.
Outcome
The final prototype, developed in Protopie, showcased a thoughtful and highly interactive experience. It combined educational content with actionable tools, such as AI-powered evacuation planning and risk assessment. Users could navigate easily through features like clickable quizzes, scrollable maps, and zoomable interfaces. The app successfully addressed the needs of homeowners in wildfire-prone areas and offered a unique blend of prevention and preparedness support. To experience the full interactive prototype in ProtoPie: Click Here
Reflection
This project reinforced my strengths in research, ideation, and user testing. I was particularly proud of my ability to lead the testing process and develop clear methodologies for analyzing user behavior. One of the most defining moments of the project was our shift from UXPin to Protopie—an unexpected change that I welcomed with flexibility and curiosity. Embracing a new tool under tight deadlines allowed me to grow technically and collaborate more effectively with my team.
Overall, this experience deepened my belief in user-centered design, especially when addressing urgent, real-world challenges like natural disasters. It also highlighted the importance of adaptability, thoughtful research, and continuous iteration in creating digital solutions that truly serve their users.