AafatInfo
AafatInfo is a real-time disaster information-sharing system that harnesses the power of community and available communication technologies to crowdsource on ground conditions during natural disasters in Pakistan. By enabling accurate and timely data exchange among citizens, government agencies, and first responders, AafatInfo enhances humanitarian responses reducing risks for all.
With Pakistan ranking 5th on the Climate Risk Index (UN Habitat 2023), its population of 241.5 million faces severe threats from a range of climate-related disasters, including floods, heatwaves, smog, earthquakes, droughts, cyclones, and sea-level rise. These events, exacerbated by their cyclical feedback loops, are putting every aspect of life at risk—from health and security to cultural identity and livelihood practices.
AafatInfo is currently in its pilot stage having its beta version for urban flooding in Karachi being user tested. Eventually we aim to become a one-stop app that shares live updates for all major disasters throughout the country.
Role
As the Experience & Design Lead, my role was multifaceted and focused on shaping a user-centered and contextually relevant platform.
My key responsibilities included:
User Research & Insights: Conducting in-depth research to identify user needs and expectations, translating them into desired features and functionalities.
Brand Identity Development: Designing AafatInfo’s brand identity, ensuring it resonated with the local context and cultural nuances.
Wireframing & Prototyping: Crafting and iterating on wireframes to conceptualize the platform’s interface and user interactions effectively.
High-Fidelity Design: Developing polished, high-resolution designs to deliver a professional and visually engaging user experience.
Iterative Testing & Refinement: Leading multiple testing cycles to optimize the platform by streamlining processes and minimizing steps, ensuring a seamless disaster reporting experience—particularly for flood-related emergencies.
The project involved conducting comprehensive user research in both rural and urban areas to gain a deep understanding of the needs and behaviors of potential users. Collaboration with state agencies played a critical role, allowing the team to explore opportunities for governmental intervention and support through the platform during disaster scenarios.
As part of the preliminary research, the team organized several workshops, promoted through a public call on social media. These workshops provided valuable insights into various aspects of urban flooding, such as common pain points, the mediums and platforms people currently use to report incidents and assist others, and the types of reporting that are most effective.
The team also explored how people visualize and describe flood levels, what they consider a flood emergency, and other key factors that informed the development of the platform. These findings served as a foundation for designing a solution tailored to users' real-world challenges.
The project involved conducting comprehensive user research in both rural and urban areas to gain a deep understanding of the needs and behaviors of potential users. Collaboration with state agencies played a critical role, allowing the team to explore opportunities for governmental intervention and support through the platform during disaster scenarios.
As part of the preliminary research, the team organized several workshops, promoted through a public call on social media. These workshops provided valuable insights into various aspects of urban flooding, such as common pain points, the mediums and platforms people currently use to report incidents and assist others, and the types of reporting that are most effective.
The team also explored how people visualize and describe flood levels, what they consider a flood emergency, and other key factors that informed the development of the platform. These findings served as a foundation for designing a solution tailored to users' real-world challenges.
Note: The platform is still a work-in-progress and is currently going through testing and iteration process so this is not the final outcome.
