Safe Haven is mobile app that uses AI to help unhoused individuals access trusted resources such as shelters, food, and healthcare in a clear and efficient way.
Safe Haven is mobile app that uses AI to help unhoused individuals access trusted resources such as shelters, food, and healthcare in a clear and efficient way.
Safe Haven is mobile app that uses AI to help unhoused individuals access trusted resources such as shelters, food, and healthcare in a clear and efficient way.
Roles
UX/UI Designer
Product Strategist
Team Members
Jennie Le
Noor Haider
Rishag Bajaj
Nicole Fajardo
Skills
Interaction Design
Prototyping
AI-Integrated & Accesible Design
Duration
6 Hours
Role
UX/UI Designer
Product Strategist
Role
UX/UI Designer
Product Strategist
Team Members
Jennie Le
Noor Haider
Rishab Bajaj
Nicole Fajardo
Team Members
Jennie Le
Noor Haider
Rishab Bajaj
Nicole Fajardo
Duration
6 Hours
Duration
6 Hours
Skills
Interaction Design
Problem Framing
Prototyping
AI-Integrated & Accessible Design
Skills
Interaction Design
Problem Framing
Prototyping
AI-Integrated & Accessible Design
My Role
My Role
My Role
I contributed to the project, actively supporting the development of the user experience. My responsibilities included developing and implementing research strategies, defining the design direction, and ensuring every phase of the project aligned with our overall objectives.
I contributed to the project, actively supporting the development of the user experience. My responsibilities included developing and implementing research strategies, defining the design direction, and ensuring every phase of the project aligned with our overall objectives.
I contributed to the project, actively supporting the development of the user experience. My responsibilities included developing and implementing research strategies, defining the design direction, and ensuring every phase of the project aligned with our overall objectives.
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our Mission
In our six-hour design sprint, we focused on one question: How might we design a trust-based, accessible platform for unhoused individuals to find reliable local resources? We began with quick research and interviews to uncover key barriers, then refined our solution using data and insights. In the final hours, we built wireframes and a prototype aligned with our designathon using AI to make resource access simple, transparent, and empowering.
In our six-hour design sprint, we focused on one question: How might we design a trust-based, accessible platform for unhoused individuals to find reliable local resources? We began with quick research and interviews to uncover key barriers, then refined our solution using data and insights. In the final hours, we built wireframes and a prototype aligned with our designathon using AI to make resource access simple, transparent, and empowering.
In our six-hour design sprint, we focused on one question: How might we design a trust-based, accessible platform for unhoused individuals to find reliable local resources? We began with quick research and interviews to uncover key barriers, then refined our solution using data and insights. In the final hours, we built wireframes and a prototype aligned with our designathon using AI to make resource access simple, transparent, and empowering.
HMW
How might we design an accessible, trust-based mobile platform that empowers unhoused individuals to make safe, informed decisions about where to go and what resources to use?
Designathon Goal
How can we integrate AI to simplify our research process, organize local data efficiently, and improve how Safe Haven personalizes resource recommendations for users?
HMW
How might we design an accessible, trust-based mobile platform that empowers unhoused individuals to make safe, informed decisions about where to go and what resources to use?
Designathon Goal
How can we integrate AI to simplify our research process, organize local data efficiently, and improve how Safe Haven personalizes resource recommendations for users?
HMW
How might we design an accessible, trust-based mobile platform that empowers unhoused individuals to make safe, informed decisions about where to go and what resources to use?
Designathon Goal
How can we integrate AI to simplify our research process, organize local data efficiently, and improve how Safe Haven personalizes resource recommendations for users?
771,000+
people experience homelessness on a single night in the U.S
771,000+
people experience homelessness on a single night in the U.S
771,000+
people experience homelessness on a single night in the U.S
274,000+
people are unsheltered (living outside, in cars, or encampments)
274,000+
people are unsheltered (living outside, in cars, or encampments)
274,000+
people are unsheltered (living outside, in cars, or encampments)
42%
of unsheltered people do not have consistent access to a mobile phone or charger
42%
of unsheltered people do not have consistent access to a mobile phone or charger
42%
of unsheltered people do not have consistent access to a mobile phone or charger
70%
rely on their phone as their only connection to services
70%
rely on their phone as their only connection to services
70%
rely on their phone as their only connection to services
The Ultimate Goal
The Ultimate Goal
The Ultimate Goal
The ultimate goal of this mobile app is to confront the global crisis of housing insecurity by creating a trust-centered, low-stress digital lifeline. So how are we to do this?
My team and I have been tasked with specific missions in order to fulfill the goal:
The ultimate goal of this mobile app is to confront the global crisis of housing insecurity by creating a trust-centered, low-stress digital lifeline. So how are we to do this?
My team and I have been tasked with specific missions in order to fulfill the goal:
The ultimate goal of this mobile app is to confront the global crisis of housing insecurity by creating a trust-centered, low-stress digital lifeline. So how are we to do this?
My team and I have been tasked with specific missions in order to fulfill the goal:
Implement the resilient service verification system
Develop a highly reliable core system for local resource discovery, integrating real-time verification tags and community data on availability.
Implement the resilient service verification system
Develop a highly reliable core system for local resource discovery, integrating real-time verification tags and community data on availability.
Implement the resilient service verification system
Develop a highly reliable core system for local resource discovery, integrating real-time verification tags and community data on availability.
Architect a Low-Stress, Intuitive Mobile Experience
Creating a low-stress interface (UI) that prioritizes speed and clarity during moments of crisis.
Architect a Low-Stress, Intuitive Mobile Experience
Creating a low-stress interface (UI) that prioritizes speed and clarity during moments of crisis.
Architect a Low-Stress, Intuitive Mobile Experience
Creating a low-stress interface (UI) that prioritizes speed and clarity during moments of crisis.
Secure the Digital Identity Framework
Establish a secure, trust-centered framework to help users manage, recover, and share their vital identification and document
Secure the Digital Identity Framework
Establish a secure, trust-centered framework to help users manage, recover, and share their vital identification and document
Secure the Digital Identity Framework
Establish a secure, trust-centered framework to help users manage, recover, and share their vital identification and document
Getting to Know Our Users
Getting to Know Our Users
Getting to Know Our Users
Before we could design anything, we had to really figure out who exactly we were building this for. We weren't designing for average customers; this was a super complex, high-stakes crisis situation. We started by doing a ton of digging through existing research and articles, but the real lightbulb moment came from talking directly to the people on the front lines: two dedicated social workers. That research helped us break our audience into three main groups: Primary Users. Secondary Users, and Tertiary Stakeholders
Before we could design anything, we had to really figure out who exactly we were building this for. We weren't designing for average customers; this was a super complex, high-stakes crisis situation. We started by doing a ton of digging through existing research and articles, but the real lightbulb moment came from talking directly to the people on the front lines: two dedicated social workers. That research helped us break our audience into three main groups: Primary Users. Secondary Users, and Tertiary Stakeholders.
Before we could design anything, we had to really figure out who exactly we were building this for. We weren't designing for average customers; this was a super complex, high-stakes crisis situation. We started by doing a ton of digging through existing research and articles, but the real lightbulb moment came from talking directly to the people on the front lines: two dedicated social workers. That research helped us break our audience into three main groups: Primary Users. Secondary Users, and Tertiary Stakeholders
Digging Into the Problem
Digging Into the Problem
Digging Into the Problem
Problem: Unhoused individuals lack reliable, current, and context-rich information on essential services, forcing them to make high-stakes decisions based on limited data, increasing vulnerability.
Solution: Safe Haven provides a verified, community-sourced mobile platform delivering actionable local intelligence including safety ratings and staff voice notes—ensuring users can access food, shelter, and services confidently, even when offline.
Problem: Unhoused individuals lack reliable, current, and context-rich information on essential services, forcing them to make high-stakes decisions based on limited data, increasing vulnerability.
Solution: Safe Haven provides a verified, community-sourced mobile platform delivering actionable local intelligence including safety ratings and staff voice notes, ensuring users can access food, shelter, and services confidently, even when offline.
Problem: Unhoused individuals lack reliable, current, and context-rich information on essential services, forcing them to make high-stakes decisions based on limited data, increasing vulnerability.
Solution: Safe Haven provides a verified, community-sourced mobile platform delivering actionable local intelligence including safety ratings and staff voice notes—ensuring users can access food, shelter, and services confidently, even when offline.
We used Perplexity for market research to analyze competitors, user feedback, and academic studies to guide our design decisions.
We used Perplexity for market research to analyze competitors, user feedback, and academic studies to guide our design decisions.
We used Perplexity for market research to analyze competitors, user feedback, and academic studies to guide our design decisions.
We used Notebook LM to summarize papers and extract key insights that grounded our problem space.
We used Notebook LM to summarize papers and extract key insights that grounded our problem space.
We used Notebook LM to summarize papers and extract key insights that grounded our problem space.
To figure out the biggest hurdles in getting help, we sat down for deep-dive interviews with two dedicated social workers and case managers who are out in the field. We asked them all about how people look for resources, what makes them trust (or distrust) a system, and how they deal with paperwork.
Here’s what we learned!
To figure out the biggest hurdles in getting help, we sat down for deep-dive interviews with two dedicated social workers and case managers who are out in the field. We asked them all about how people look for resources, what makes them trust (or distrust) a system, and how they deal with paperwork.
Here’s what we learned!
To figure out the biggest hurdles in getting help, we sat down for deep-dive interviews with two dedicated social workers and case managers who are out in the field. We asked them all about how people look for resources, what makes them trust (or distrust) a system, and how they deal with paperwork.
Here’s what we learned!
— Key Insights From Social Workers
& Case Managers
— Key Insights From Social Workers
& Case Managers
— Key Insights From Social Workers
& Case Managers
The Fear of Asking for Help
One social worker said, “Many residents avoid resources because they feel unqualified or don’t know where to start.”
Takeaway: It’s not just about access, it’s emotional. Our app needs to be judgment-free and offer clear, simple guidance.
The Fear of Asking for Help
One social worker said, “Many residents avoid resources because they feel unqualified or don’t know where to start.”
Takeaway: It’s not just about access, it’s emotional. Our app needs to be judgment-free and offer clear, simple guidance.
The Fear of Asking for Help
One social worker said, “Many residents avoid resources because they feel unqualified or don’t know where to start.”
Takeaway: It’s not just about access, it’s emotional. Our app needs to be judgment-free and offer clear, simple guidance.
The Paperwork Nightmare
A case manager said, “We help clients apply for Permanent Supportive Housing.”
Takeaway: Housing access is often blocked by paperwork, so our app needs a feature to securely store and manage vital documents.
The Paperwork Nightmare
A case manager said, “We help clients apply for Permanent Supportive Housing.”
Takeaway: Housing access is often blocked by paperwork, so our app needs a feature to securely store and manage vital documents.
The Paperwork Nightmare
A case manager said, “We help clients apply for Permanent Supportive Housing.”
Takeaway: Housing access is often blocked by paperwork, so our app needs a feature to securely store and manage vital documents.
The Communication Black Hole
The case manager said they’re always “educating clients about emergency housing resources.”
Takeaway: Key info like shelter availability and eligibility is often unclear. Safe Haven should be a reliable, easy-to-use hub that supports users of all digital skill levels.
The Communication Black Hole
The case manager said they’re always “educating clients about emergency housing resources.”
Takeaway: Key info like shelter availability and eligibility is often unclear. Safe Haven should support users of all digital skill levels.
The Communication Black Hole
The case manager said they’re always “educating clients about emergency housing resources.”
Takeaway: Key info like shelter availability and eligibility is often unclear. Safe Haven should support users of all digital skill levels.
Brainstorming
Brainstorming
Brainstorming
My team and I decided to brainstorm numerous solutions for each user's pain points through affinity mapping. Here are the ideas that we formulated for each problem:
My team and I decided to brainstorm numerous solutions for each user's pain points through affinity mapping. Here are the ideas that we formulated for each problem:
My team and I decided to brainstorm numerous solutions for each user's pain points through affinity mapping. Here are the ideas that we formulated for each problem:
— Converging On Our Ideas
— Converging On Our Ideas
— Converging On Our Ideas
After diving deep into the social worker interviews and external research, we chose features that centered on trust, performance, and security. We had a ton of ideas but we settled on implementations that directly tackled the biggest pain points for our primary users.
Here are the several key implementations we focused on:
After diving deep into the social worker interviews and external research, we chose features that centered on trust, performance, and security. We had a ton of ideas but we settled on implementations that directly tackled the biggest pain points for our primary users.
Here are the several key implementations we focused on:
After diving deep into the social worker interviews and external research, we chose features that centered on trust, performance, and security. We had a ton of ideas but we settled on implementations that directly tackled the biggest pain points for our primary users.
Here are the several key implementations we focused on:
Mapping the User Flow
Mapping the User Flow
Mapping the User Flow
Information Architecture
The Key Features on each page.
Information Architecture
The Key Features on each page.
Information Architecture
The Key Features on each page.
User Flow
The goal was to easily access verified resources.
User Flow
The goal was to easily access verified resources.
User Flow
The goal was to easily access verified resources.
Starting the Designs
Starting the Designs
Starting the Designs
We quickly translated our user journey into low-fidelity wireframes to define the app’s structural skeleton and address early accessibility issues.
We quickly translated our user journey into low-fidelity wireframes to define the app’s structural skeleton and address early accessibility issues.
We quickly translated our user journey into low-fidelity wireframes to define the app’s structural skeleton and address early accessibility issues.
1. Home Screen - Resource Finder
Users can quickly access help categories, community updates, and nearby resources. Designed for fast, intuitive navigation during urgent moments.
1. Home Screen - Resource Finder
Users can quickly access help categories, community updates, and nearby resources. Designed for fast, intuitive navigation during urgent moments.
1. Home Screen - Resource Finder
Users can quickly access help categories, community updates, and nearby resources. Designed for fast, intuitive navigation during urgent moments.
Hope Haven Shelter
It shows a photo of the shelter, its location, and hours, with quick options to get directions or call now. Below, key impact stats such as people housed, meals served, beds available, and job placements give users a quick view of its support and activity.
Hope Haven Shelter
It shows a photo of the shelter, its location, and hours, with quick options to get directions or call now. Below, key impact stats such as people housed, meals served, beds available, and job placements give users a quick view of its support and activity.
2. Hope Haven Shelter
It shows a photo of the shelter, its location, and hours, with quick options to get directions or call now. Below, key impact stats such as people housed, meals served, beds available, and job placements give users a quick view of its support and activity.
Shelter Details
Tapping a shelter brings users to a page where they can hear a short voice snippet with key information. The simple layout keeps the focus on essential details, making it easy to understand quickly.
Shelter Details
Tapping a shelter brings users to a page where they can hear a short voice snippet with key information. The simple layout keeps the focus on essential details, making it easy to understand quickly.
Shelter Details
Tapping a shelter brings users to a page where they can hear a short voice snippet with key information. The simple layout keeps the focus on essential details, making it easy to understand quickly.
Select Location Screen
Lets users confirm or label their location as Home, Office, or Other. We’ll test if auto-detection or manual entry provides a smoother setup.
Select Location Screen
Lets users confirm or label their location as Home, Office, or Other. We’ll test if auto-detection or manual entry provides a smoother setup.
Select Location Screen
Lets users confirm or label their location as Home, Office, or Other. We’ll test if auto-detection or manual entry provides a smoother setup.
How Safe Haven Solves the Problem
How Safe Haven Solves the Problem
How Safe Haven Solves the Problem
"Low Stress" Mobile UI
We used mobile-first design with high contrast, large text, and minimal color. The whole UI is optimized for quick loading and reliability on older, low-end devices.
"Low Stress" Mobile UI
We used mobile-first design with high contrast, large text, and minimal color. The whole UI is optimized for quick loading and reliability on older, low-end devices
"Low Stress" Mobile UI
We used mobile-first design with high contrast, large text, and minimal color. The whole UI is optimized for quick loading and reliability on older, low-end devices.
The Haven Hub & Voice Snippets
We replaced long text descriptions with short, authentic voice notes (Voice Snippets) from staff or residents, helping users feel confident about where they're going.
The Haven Hub & Voice Snippets
We replaced long text descriptions with short, authentic voice notes (Voice Snippets) from staff or residents, helping users feel confident about where they're going.
The Haven Hub & Voice Snippets
We replaced long text descriptions with short, authentic voice notes (Voice Snippets) from staff or residents, helping users feel confident about where they're going.
Offline Mode for Reliable Access
We built a framework so the entire resource section can be downloaded and used offline. Users can save key resource addresses and safety info, ensuring data is available when connectivity fails.
Offline Mode for Reliable Access
We built a framework so the entire resource section can be downloaded and used offline. Users can save key resource addresses and safety info, ensuring data is available when connectivity fails.
Offline Mode for Reliable Access
We built a framework so the entire resource section can be downloaded and used offline. Users can save key resource addresses and safety info, ensuring data is available when connectivity fails.
Identity & Documentation Security
We implemented a secure, optional system for users to safely store copies of personal documents (IDs, etc.) to simplify the process of re-securing housing and benefits.
Identity & Documentation Security
We implemented a secure, optional system for users to safely store copies of personal documents (IDs, etc.) to simplify the process of re-securing housing and benefits.
Identity & Documentation Security
We implemented a secure, optional system for users to safely store copies of personal documents (IDs, etc.) to simplify the process of re-securing housing and benefits.
Final Prototype
Final Prototype
Final Prototype
Safe Haven, providing clear shelter details and voice-guided support to help people quickly find safe, reliable places to stay.
Safe Haven, providing clear shelter details and voice-guided support to help people quickly find safe, reliable places to stay.
Safe Haven, providing clear shelter details and voice-guided support to help people quickly find safe, reliable places to stay.
Let's Reflect….
Let's Reflect….
Let's Reflect….
Working on Safe Haven during this 6-hour sprint honestly surprised me in the best way. I walked in thinking we’d barely have time to scrape something together, and instead I walked out incredibly proud of what our team built. Everyone leaned into the challenge, and I loved the energy of bouncing ideas around, getting stuck, unsticking ourselves, and somehow making everything come together in the final minutes!
Working on Safe Haven during this 6-hour sprint honestly surprised me in the best way. I walked in thinking we’d barely have time to scrape something together, and instead I walked out incredibly proud of what our team built. Everyone leaned into the challenge, and I loved the energy of bouncing ideas around, getting stuck, unsticking ourselves, and somehow making everything come together in the final minutes!
Working on Safe Haven during this 6-hour sprint honestly surprised me in the best way. I walked in thinking we’d barely have time to scrape something together, and instead I walked out incredibly proud of what our team built. Everyone leaned into the challenge, and I loved the energy of bouncing ideas around, getting stuck, unsticking ourselves, and somehow making everything come together in the final minutes!
Lessons I've Learned From Using AI in this Project….
Lessons I've Learned From Using AI in this Project….
Lessons I've Learned From Using AI in this Project….
AI is Amazing But Not Magic
I learned that AI can pull information fast and spark ideas instantly, but it can still mix things up. I had to double check everything, which reminded me that speed does not equal accuracy.
"Low Stress" Mobile UI
We used mobile-first design with high contrast, large text, and minimal color. The whole UI is optimized for quick loading and reliability on older, low-end devices
"Low Stress" Mobile UI
We used mobile-first design with high contrast, large text, and minimal color. The whole UI is optimized for quick loading and reliability on older, low-end devices.
Empathy Still Belongs to Humans
Even with all the tools, AI could not understand the emotional weight behind homelessness or trauma. I realized my role as a designer is to bring the heart, the nuance, and the humanity.
Offline Mode for Reliable Access
We built a framework so the entire resource section can be downloaded and used offline. Users can save key resource addresses and safety info, ensuring data is available when connectivity fails.
Offline Mode for Reliable Access
We built a framework so the entire resource section can be downloaded and used offline. Users can save key resource addresses and safety info, ensuring data is available when connectivity fails.
AI Makes Brainstorming Way More Fun
Using AI during ideation felt like tossing ideas into a giant creativity blender. It helped me think wider and faster, but the most meaningful ideas came when my team refined them together.
The Haven Hub & Voice Snippets
We replaced long text descriptions with short, authentic voice notes (Voice Snippets) from staff or residents, helping users feel confident about where they're going.
The Haven Hub & Voice Snippets
We replaced long text descriptions with short, authentic voice notes (Voice Snippets) from staff or residents, helping users feel confident about where they're going.
AI Design Needs a Human Touch
AI helped me sketch, test, and explore visuals faster, but it could not make intentional design decisions. Accessibility, tone, trust, and clarity had to come from me and my team.
Identity & Documentation Security
We implemented a secure, optional system for users to safely store copies of personal documents (IDs, etc.) to simplify the process of re-securing housing and benefits.
Identity & Documentation Security
We implemented a secure, optional system for users to safely store copies of personal documents (IDs, etc.) to simplify the process of re-securing housing and benefits.
If we had more time…
If we had more time…
If we had more time…
We would prioritize usability testing with unhoused individuals to validate the design in real-world conditions, refining our trauma-informed UX patterns to better support emotional safety, and strengthening the identity and document recovery flow, which remains one of the biggest barriers users face. These steps would help Safe Haven become a more trustworthy and empowering resource for those who need it most.
We would prioritize usability testing with unhoused individuals to validate the design in real-world conditions, refining our trauma-informed UX patterns to better support emotional safety, and strengthening the identity and document recovery flow, which remains one of the biggest barriers users face. These steps would help Safe Haven become a more trustworthy and empowering resource for those who need it most.
We would prioritize usability testing with unhoused individuals to validate the design in real-world conditions, refining our trauma-informed UX patterns to better support emotional safety, and strengthening the identity and document recovery flow, which remains one of the biggest barriers users face. These steps would help Safe Haven become a more trustworthy and empowering resource for those who need it most.
Thank you for reading!
Thank you for reading!
Thank you for reading!