Safe Phone & Software Benjamin Wagner

Introduction The idea of a new device that allows a user to text or do other activities while walking. Many users text, check facebook and twitter, and watch youtube while walking. Often, users do not pay attention to the world around them because they are stuck in their mobile device.

Usability Testing I first tested users to see how they hold their phones. I then asked them to walk a bit and use their phones so I could see how they hold them. Based off of the results that I received, I gathered that users all hold their phone and use it the same 2 or 3 ways. Therefore, I came up with a solution that would adhere to everyone.

Safe Phone & Software This safe phone is an idea that uses cameras and sensors to help a user get through the world. The idea has a regular camera on the back of the phone, like most phones already do, but then an additional camera on the top of the phone. This way, based on how a user hold their phone, both cameras are being used and a user gets both visions on their phone. The phone also has built in sensors around the phone that can detect objects for up to 1 mile.

Safe Phone & Software The safe phone also has a specific app that goes with it. Whenever a user wants to walk somewhere, they can open the app. The app is what initially activates both cameras and the sensors on the phone. The app access the following main apps that, through usability testing, users claimed that would use/like to have while walking. Texting Facebook Twitter Youtube The internet A GPS A music app

Safe Phone & Software At the beginning of the app, a user can choose which application they would like to use while walking. Then the application will be transparently on top of the main camera view so that the user can also see what is ahead of them. Once the sensors sense that a user is going to run into an object, the phone flashes red, and immediately locks the user from what they are doing. An alert message pops up and tell the user to look up. Once the user looks up and is safe, the user may press the “Dismiss” button so they their application is no longer locked.

Sketches

Scenario 1 Thomas is walking from class to class on campus. While walking, he is texting his friend to see if he is interested in getting lunch with him after their class. While walking and texting at the same time, he can see through the transparent texting app, and to what the cameras are showing him, but he gets distracted with texting. He doesn’t see a light pole coming up ahead, however, the phone senses it. As he gets within 20 feet, the phone flashes red, and gives an alert message to look up. He looks up, misses the light pole, then presses dismiss so he can continue texting.

Scenario 2 Beth just got out of work and she has to run to a restaurant to pick up food for dinner. She doesn’t know where the restaurant is, so she needs to use her GPS. However, she knows that it is dangerous to be looking at her GPS and walking at the same time. Therefore, she opens up the safe phone software, and access her GPS through there. She can see where she is going and look at the map at the same time. She gets alerted if she doesn’t see a car coming.

Wireframes Welcome! Camera and Sensors are now activated!

Wireframes Texting Twitter Facebook Youtube Internet GPS Music

Wireframes Alert! Look up! Dismiss Hey, do you want to meet for lunch?

Task Flow Scenario 1 Open Software on Phone Choose which app you would like to use Tap the Texting app Text over the camera view on the phone Sensors pick up danger and lock the phone User looks up, and taps dismiss