ASHA helps reunite families and loved ones torn apart by disasters and conflict

Detailed Description:
ASHA uses mobile phones and Bluetooth to create improvised communication networks in situations where phone and internet fail. Using simple Bluetooth technology, ASHA allows rescue workers to automatically collect names and locations of people they meet during their normal routines and sync them across platforms. Meeting a person who is missing a loved one, the resulting database can be searched – revealing where and when the loved one was in the vicinity of an ASHA equipped phone.

Known drawbacks of design:
Although all the technology to implement this kind of solution exists, there is no universal bluetooth emergency protocol on low-level cellphones as of yet. Apart from offering a real solution, ASHA is also meant as a demonstration of how cooperation and implementation of universal protocols across companies and brands can ultimately save lives in times of conflict or disaster.

Website:
http://www.ulrikhogrebe.com/blog/?p=57

Designed in:
2009

Status of realization:
Prototype

Challenge(s):
communication, disaster, emergency, mobility, network, technology

Form
The design of the app reflects its use in the field - all main interfaces are designed to be robust and easily accessible, with visibility and ease of navigation as the main design principle

Impact
When disaster strikes - like in Haiti or Pakistan - people are often torn from their relatives whilst forced to run for their lives. Picking up your life without knowing the status and whereabouts of your loved ones often becomes an impossible task when suffering the loss of the people nearest to you. Asha aims to ease this suffering while also offering a robust data collection platform on migration and statuses of refugee streams.

Context
The International Rescue Comittee estimates the number of displaced people worldwide at 42 million - many of whom are starting new lives as the result of being uprooted by war or disaster. Asha is designed to ensure that these transitions between being a refugee or displaced person and a new start are made less painful, offering piece of mind when times are most difficult - essential to starting a new life, while also providing people the means to reconnect in the future.

Other relevant information
Asha was designed in the wake of the Haiti disaster as a comparably low-cost solution to the mental duress suffered by displaced people and refugees.

Proven and/or potential effects:
Asha has already helped raised awareness about the central issue plus proven the benefits of technological solutions by being included in the "Future of Health" report developed by PSFK consulting for UNICEF. (http://www.psfk.com/future-of-health, http://www.psfk.com/2010/08/future-of-health-asha-reunites-refugees-across-the-world.html)

Is the design protected by patent or ip registration?
none

How has the development of the design been financed hereunto?
Personal investment

Is there a plan for future investments?
Not known

Is there in-house competencies to secure market roll out of the design, with regards to investment, distribution, sales, etc.?
Yes

Designed by:
Ulrik Andersen Hogrebe

Title/Role:
Interaction Designer

Website:
www.ulrikhogrebe.com

Professional status of designer:
Student

Nationality:
Denmark

City/Country of residence:
Copenhagen / Denmark

Designed by:
Martina Pagura

Title/Role:
Interaction Designer

Website:
http://ciid.dk/education/portfolio/idp09/students/martina-pagura/

Professional status of designer:
Student

Nationality:
Italy

City/Country of residence:
Copenhagen / Denmark

Designed by:
Anders Højmose

Title/Role:
Interaction Designer

Website:
http://www.everyoneelse.net/

Professional status of designer:
Student

Nationality:
Denmark

City/Country of residence:
Copenhagen / Denmark

Designed by:
Ulrik Andersen Hogrebe

Title/Role:
Interaction Designer

Website:
www.ulrikhogrebe.com

Professional status of designer:
Student

Nationality:
Denmark

City/Country of residence:
Copenhagen / Denmark

Designed by:
Martina Pagura

Title/Role:
Interaction Designer

Website:
http://ciid.dk/education/portfolio/idp09/students/martina-pagura/

Professional status of designer:
Student

Nationality:
Italy

City/Country of residence:
Cop

Designed by:
A

Title/Role:
Interaction Designer

Website:
http://www.everyoneelse.net/

Professional status of designer:
Student

Nationality:
Denmark

City/Country of residence:
C