Red Cross Capacity Tracker
Role: UX Designer & Research | Scope: 1 Week
Imagine This
You live in a hurricane-prone area, and as much as you try to prepare, the day you’ve dreaded has finally come. A mandatory evacuation order is announced. Your priority is clear: get your family to safety. You quickly pack what you can, pull up the Red Cross Emergency app, and select a nearby shelter. Traffic is a nightmare. A drive that should take an hour stretches into four as thousands of others make the same desperate journey. When you finally arrive—exhausted and anxious—you’re told the shelter is at full capacity. There’s no space for you or your loved ones.
Now, imagine how different that experience could have been if the app had shown real-time shelter capacity. You could have planned better, avoided wasted hours, and ensured your family’s safety without the added stress of uncertainty.
How might we solve this problem to empower users with real-time, reliable information so they can make informed decisions during emergencies?
I asked. I listened.
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"I unfortunately lost my home in NC, it was such a chaotic experience trying to figure out where to go."
Hurricane Helene Survivor
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“I can’t put into words how awful it feels to show up after hours of driving only to be turned away. I can’t afford a hotel and I can’t waste gas trying to find more shelters.”
Hurricane Helene Survivor
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“I’ve used the Red Cross Emergency app and think it’s great. But, there’s always room for improvement, so a capacity tracker would be very helpful.”
Resident of South Florida
Understanding the Needs of Hurricane Survivors
To ensure my design addressed the real needs of users, I took an active approach by reaching out to both hurricane survivors and individuals familiar with the American Red Cross Emergency App. I created targeted posts on Reddit, inviting users to share their experiences with the app during real-life emergencies.
Engaging with Users
By creating these posts, I was able to connect directly with people who had firsthand experience using the app in critical situations. Through their responses, I gathered key insights into the struggles they faced and what could make the app more useful in times of crisis.
Key Pain Points
A recurring challenge mentioned by many was the uncertainty around shelter availability. Survivors expressed frustration about not knowing if shelters were full, especially when dealing with heavy traffic and the urgency of evacuations. They also noted that while the app provided useful information, real-time updates on shelter availability would have made it easier for them to make more confident shelter choices.
What if we incorporated a live capacity tracker?
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HeadCounter
A capacity management tool designed for public spaces such as events and hotels. It not only tracks the number of people entering and exiting but also shares live occupancy data with customers. This transparency empowers users to decide the safest and most convenient times to visit a venue.
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Blink Fitness Capacity Tracking
Created during COVID-19, this feature allowed users to check real-time gym occupancy, helping them plan visits during less crowded times. By prioritizing member safety and promoting informed decisions, Blink demonstrated the critical role capacity tracking can play during a crisis.
Competitive Analysis Results
These examples illustrate how live capacity trackers can be adapted to serve various needs, from managing event crowds to ensuring gym safety during a global pandemic. Incorporating a similar feature in the Red Cross Emergency app would extend its mission of public safety by giving users actionable, real-time information about shelter availability.
Improving safety, one update at a time.
The Red Cross Emergency app is an essential tool for keeping individuals and families informed and prepared during disasters. With features like customizable alerts, bilingual accessibility, and critical preparedness guides, it exemplifies a strong commitment to public safety. Recent updates improving screen reader compatibility reflect a vital step toward inclusivity.
Red Cross Emergency App video walkthrough
Yet, as technology evolves, so do user needs. A key opportunity lies in addressing real-time shelter availability and accessibility—a critical feature for families navigating chaotic evacuations. By enabling users to view this information, the app can empower them to make safe, informed decisions in moments that matter most.
Small change, big impact.
When designing the capacity tracker, I prioritized accessibility and universal understanding. The green circle, yellow triangle, and red octagon align with familiar symbols for navigation and safety, making them intuitive and reducing cognitive load in high-stress situations.
Additionally, I considered color-blind users by incorporating distinct shapes that convey the same information, ensuring accessibility beyond just color cues. This thoughtful approach mirrors the Red Cross's commitment to inclusivity, enhancing the app's ability to serve diverse needs.
Conclusion: Making a Meaningful Impact
Throughout this project, it was an honor to hear directly from hurricane survivors and those who had used the American Red Cross Emergency App. Their willingness to share personal stories and provide invaluable suggestions helped refine my design approach. I learned that users in crisis situations need not only timely and accurate information but also intuitive features that can alleviate the stress and confusion they experience when making life-critical decisions.
What I realized through this process is that sometimes, even the smallest changes can make the world of difference—particularly when the stakes are so high. By addressing pain points like shelter availability in real time, the app can empower users with the confidence they need in the midst of chaos.