Bomberos de Tierras Blancas
App and Responsive Web Design
The Project
The Tierras Blancas Fire Department is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting the citizens of the community during natural or man-made disasters. With this application and responsive website, the Tierras Blancas firefighters will be able to receive donations directly, eliminating the need to go out into the streets as they have done until now.
My Role
UX Designer leading the design of the application and responsive website from conception to delivery.
The Process
Duration
September - October 2023
The Problem
In Chile, volunteer firefighters receive no salary, requiring them to go out periodically to collect street donations. This forces them to devise multiple fundraising methods for station equipment and operational expenses; therefore, having regular partners or recurring donors helps maintain the entire fire station.
The Objective
Design an application that enables users to make donations at any time while allowing individuals to register as members or frequent recurring donors.
Responsibilities
Conducting interviews, creating digital and paper page layouts, developing low- and high-fidelity prototypes, executing usability studies, applying accessibility standards, iterating designs, outlining information architecture, and responsive design.
User Research: Summary
I used data from Bomberos de Chile to conduct interviews, which revealed that people strongly disagree with firefighters not receiving a salary and having to ask for donations at traffic lights or street markets. Everyone was satisfied with the new digital method to support firefighters; there were no major difficulties in using the mobile application or navigating the responsive website, and testing proceeded smoothly without complications.
The Design Begins
Ideation
I conducted an ideation exercise called Crazy Eights, where the primary focus was the donation system.
Digital Page Layouts
Here we can see the preliminary design of the app for the Tierras Blancas firefighters, featuring direct access to donations so that users can contribute quickly without extensive searching. An important highlight is that we begin by displaying an image of the firefighters, followed immediately below by a tribute review of a featured firefighter.
Lo-fi Prototype
To prepare for usability testing, I created a low-fidelity prototype connecting the entire donation user flow, which concludes with an acknowledgment message upon completing the donation.
Usability Study: Findings
Donations
Both firefighters and users want to have year-round access for digital donations.
Applications
Many interviewees expressed genuine interest in having the opportunity to apply to become volunteer firefighters online.
Members
Permanent members lack a portal to review their donation history, increase their recurring contribution amount, or cancel their subscription.
Hi-fi Models and Prototypes
Mockups
Based on the usability study conclusions, I implemented design adjustments such as providing a clear direct donation section from the bottom of the home screen, a dedicated section for recurring members, and a volunteer application button.
Hi-fi Prototype
The high-fidelity prototype followed the same user flow as the low-fidelity prototype, incorporating the design changes implemented after the usability study.
Accessibility Considerations
High-contrast colors for individuals with visibility and legibility impairments.
Large icons at the bottom of the screen for improved touch functionality.
Information Architecture: Site Map
Once the application designs were completed, I began working on the responsive website design. I used the firefighters' site map as a structural guide for designing each screen to ensure a cohesive and consistent user experience across all devices.
Responsive Designs
The designs according to screen size variation cover mobile devices, tablets, and desktop computers. I optimized the designs to adapt to the specific needs of the user on each device and screen size.
Conclusions
Impact
Users, especially the firefighters, commented that the application has been useful in helping people learn more about the work they do as firefighters, as well as providing more informed access to donations.
What did I learn?
I learned that often solutions to complex problems are simpler than most people think. One way to understand the solution to design problems is to iterate on them while absorbing the core issue.
Next Steps
Conduct research on whether the number of donors or enrolled members through the app and website has increased.
Conduct research based on the number of applicants to become firefighters and if the number of volunteers has increased after the feature was launched.
Add a firefighters-only area where they can view and manage internal matters such as duty schedules, days off, etc.
Let's work together?
If you liked what you saw, let's stay in touch!