Unlike most of our projects where we carry out a thorough problem definition process before kicking off the development stage, this one was a bit different. With the problem being right under our nose, we jumped into development as soon as we got the memo.
We knew that we wanted users to carry out the minimum of effort to reach the dispatcher and ask for help in a timely manner.
The team was formed of one delivery manager, one senior Product Designer, two Flutter developers, and one QA Engineer.
The login and account creation process was kept to a minimum. Users are requested only the telephone number and their agreement with the terms and conditions, as well as the GDPR policy.
Having the latitude and the longitude already integrated into Flutter’s geolocation service, the next interaction is sending out a request for help to the rescue team.
This request contains the exact geographical coordinates and, in order to better locate the incident, the users can attach further notes as well as pictures of the surroundings.
In the eventuality of not having any internet connection, the users have the alternative to send out a text message containing the same (fields) mentioned above. However, the limitation of this app resides in the geographical area that the rescue team covers.
Should the people request help outside this area, their request will be directed to the local authorities in that area.