Having lived in the Bay Area my entire life, I never imagined I would have to worry about natural disasters. Well, maybe except for earthquakes. Over the years, I have experienced more natural phenomena simply by being at home: earthquakes, heatwaves, drought, wildfires, atmospheric rivers, hail storms, cold waves, strong winds, and even lightning. As I began observing the news, I noticed that the rest of California was experiencing so much more. I remember back in the early 2010s, when California had water restrictions due to a severe drought. A few years ago in 2019, the wildfires and resulting smoke were so extreme that schools shut down and my family was given a warning to prepare for evacuation (which thankfully never happened). Even this year, I was shocked to see that tornadoes have become a new norm in certain parts of California. Natural disasters and phenomena are a serious threat if we are not prepared for it. Yet, I and so many people still are not. In our busy lives, how can we possibly prepare effectively for multiple disasters? It is an overwhelming thought!

The question I ask is: why does it have to be overwhelming? As a designer, what can I do to not only encourage people to prepare, but also provide a platform to support the preparation process. How can I use design to make emergency preparedness easier, and even enjoyable? From my personal experience, and from my research, I have learned that there is just too much information out there. It takes so much time and effort to understand how these disasters work, how to prepare for them, and what safety kits to trust. It can also be quite expensive. This is why I decided to design a web-based system that combines all of the steps: learning how to prepare, and then buying an appropriate kit. With a well-designed website and app, emergency preparedness information can be accessed almost anywhere.

When creating DisasterReady Systems, I prioritized fun while ensuring functionality in order to allow people to build their own safety kit through the app. With the ability to personalize products based on their location and their personality, I hope to create an engaging and pleasurable experience that is also effective. I was also strategic with designing the branding; I incorporated a deep professional blue and a bright nature green to make it feel trustworthy while remaining  approachable. Furthermore, I create illustrations to replace real-life images to reduce any stress-induced anxiety of natural disasters, and to create a distinctive experience. Overall, it is the user and their experience that is prioritized when approaching the design of the entire project. The goal for my thesis is to communicate the power and breadth of design, as it is a tool for change, education, and action.