Our brief for this project was to educate citizens of Eastern Kentucky about flood risks, safety measures, and preparedness plans through effective communication tools. My role in the group was to research, design and prototype we called Bluegrass FloodWatch. Through weeks of research, multiple group conversations, and three different design version, Bluegrass FloodWatch became an app with a purpose of trying to educate people in flood-prone areas.

The app features an on-boarding tool that includes a preparedness checklist, where users can check items off as they put them in their go bags. A live flood map of the hardest hit areas. A community message board where users can connect with other community members who are going through the same thing as them. A report tool that allows a user to report damage, safety levels and alerts to others and first responders if they’re in need. An alert system that acts as a notification board putting the most recent posts at the top. Finally, the app has a resources tab that lists resources relevant to the most current situation but also has preparedness tips so that the next flood isn’t as hectic.