Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1

"Is anybody out there???"

Problem Statement: After natural disasters, people are frequently displaced and lack communication to reach out for help and safety because electronic systems in many areas are inefficient and outdated.

Who: People affected by natural disasters

What: They are unable to effectively communicate and seek aid

Why: Challenges faced by current electrical infrastructure

The problem presented is practical internationally, and its uses are especially necessary for people residing in areas that are at high risk of environmental disasters (Coasts, Windy Plains, Volcanic Areas, Mountain Ranges, Land Faults, and Canal Systems.) The boundaries of application is very broad considering multi-regional landscapes experience categorical catastrophe. The fact that tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes are significantly different would present the challenge to make a product/service that it applicable to a universally multitude of areas. 

Interviews

Interview #1: Nickolas, my relative who lives in Hidden Hills, California. 

Me: Please describe the environmental problems faced within your community.

Nick: Due to our proximity by the San Andreas Fault, our area is prone to tremors and even occasional earthquakes. Recently, we have also been experiencing extremely dry conditions, concurrent with rapid wildfires and drought. 

Me: I notice your familiarity with these events, especially since they are so close to your own home. If you were actually going through such an experience, what are some of the most important things you would need to feel safe and as complete as possibly. 

Nick: I must acknowledge that my family comes first. Before I focus my attention on anything, I must ensure the safety of my family. Thereafter, I would consider saving some valuable items. 

Me: Personally, I would feel the exact same way. Now, I want you to hypothetically imagine a scenario where you or even your wife were dislocated, and your cellphones act dysfunctional during a disaster. Wouldn't finding her or being found your number one priority?

Nick: Certainly! I would not pursue anything other than keeping my family together. That is a very strong point, because I would look to my phone to help my look for my family. 

Me: I have brainstormed an idea that would serve as a perfect use during this type of situation. It will keep families safe, secure, and together. 

Nick: I am definitely interested in that movement. It would help a lot of people; not only here in the USA, but all over the world where people lack basic communication anyways. 

Interview #2: Stephanie, a family friend who lost her house during Hurricane Andrew in the 90's

Me: Please describe the environmental problems faced within your community.

 

Stephanie: I live in South Miami-Dade, where we experience tropical storms and hurricanes annually. In 1992, my home was completely destroyed by Hurricane Andrew. 

Me: How difficult was it to gather your family after the hurricane passed and the chaos was evident?

Stephanie: To gather my immediate family was not too difficult, we were all staying tight during the whole scenario. It was very difficult to reach out to my family that was across town or in the city. 

Me: If readily available at the time, would you have used a service or device that would have allowed you to check on your loved ones remotely?

Stephanie: Well definitely, but this was in the 90's; we didn't have any technology like this available. If the same thing happened today, I certainly would seek that, because it's not like I can just message them on Facebook. I would get that product for sure.

Interview #3: My grandmother (Nona) who lives in Mendoza, Argentina.

Me: Please describe the environmental problems faced within your community.

Nona: We live by the Andes Mountain Range. Here we face very dry conditions, extreme hot/cold temperatures, and occasionally tremors.

Me: Would you say that your area is not severely affected by environmental disasters?

Nona: No, not really. We experience lack of rain more than anything. 

Me: I understand. In the future, your area has the potential to be severely impacted by droughts and wildfires. In this event, how would you reach out to your loved ones, even us in America?

Nona: You're right. We could definitely see huge changes in the future and about the environment. 

I can't think of anything more important in the situation.

Interview #4: My good friend, Fabian who lives in Minnesota. 

Me: Please describe the environmental problems faced within your community.

Fabian: The weather here is insane, we have 4 inches of snow right now!

Me: What natural catastrophes are you personally at risk of?

Fabian: Because of the heavy snowfall, we can potentially face avalanches. I have personally experienced an avalanche. 

Me: Do your remember the impact from the avalanche and how it affected your household?

Fabian: Yes, the snow seemed ceaseless. The domed roof at the Vikings' stadium completely collapsed because it was holding too much snow. My own house and people down my block, were very concerned that our homes were not strong enough to hold up in the condition, and that our own houses would collapse.

Me: I could imagine how difficult transportation and movement must have been. In the event of being blocked in by storm and electric grids failing, how would you let everyone know you are okay?

Fabian: I actually experienced the difficulty with this, trying to call my brother in Minneapolis. The static on the phone and the insane winds made it almost impossible to hear.

Me: I am brainstorming a device or service that will be a reliable source of communication in the event of extreme natural catastrophe. Does this idea seem to serve a need you face?

Fabian: I could see myself using such a device. I think that the importance of the issue, should allow it to be sold well.

Interview #5: My childhood friend, Kelly who now goes to the University of Hawaii. 

Me: Please describe the environmental problems faced within your community.

Kelly: Back home in South Florida, storms and hurricanes seemed to be the regular. Here in Hawaii, I try not to keep it in the front of my mind, but there is a looming threat of a possible volcanic eruption causing massive damage to the islands here. 

Me: How likely do you think you would be affected by such a situation?

Kelly: I would like to be a little realistic and say greater than 30%. That is because the cycle of natural history. I know that if the event occurred, there would be a 100% chance I would be affected.

Me: Being alone in the situation would definitely make it harder and stressful what are you going to do to contact your family back in Florida?

Kelly: I would try to reach out over the internet. 

Me: In the event of a major catastrophe, there is a huge possibility that internet systems in the affected area would not work. If you had known, would you have taken precautionary measures to seek a successful means of communication during the situation?

Kelly: Yeah, you actually have me a bit worried right now. I usually am concerned about the state of the environment around me, and especially the safety. I would definitely own a device that serves the function you mentioned. 

Summary

It seems evidently apparent that the need for natural disaster aid is becoming more of a common theme for many places. Within my interviews, I have discovered that the opportunity to capitalize on saving lives in natural disasters are necessary around the world in many environments. I specifically targeted these people I am close to, because they are in very different communities but they can all benefit from the same purpose of my proposed product/service.