seismo connect
.projects
Earthquake survivors often struggle to alert rescuers because existing early‑warning systems are inadequate, smartphone apps are hard to use after a quake, and older users are unfamiliar with advanced technology. Interviews with survivors and rescue professionals showed that people needed a simple tool to warn others, send their location and work without a smartphone. The challenge was to design a device that could detect earthquakes early, deliver a loud alarm, transmit coordinates to AFAD and remain accessible for non–tech‑savvy users
SeismoConnect was born out of my deep concern for earthquake safety and the challenges I witnessed during rescue operations in Türkiye. After seeing how difficult it can be for survivors to communicate their location or call for help when every second counts, I wanted to design a tool that could bridge the gap between victims and first responders. My goal was to create something simple enough for anyone to use, yet powerful enough to save lives in moments of crisis.
The process began with extensive field research, interviews, and surveys involving both survivors and AFAD rescue teams. Their stories revealed how confusion, panic, and unreliable technology often made communication nearly impossible after a disaster. Guided by these insights, I designed SeismoConnect, a compact tactile device that can be activated with a simple touch or sound. Paired with a mobile app, it sends the user’s coordinates directly to rescue teams while visualizing seismic data in real time.
Through careful iteration and user testing, I refined the product’s design to ensure accessibility, privacy, and reliability. The result is a seamless blend of physical and digital design that empowers people to stay connected even in the most disconnected moments. SeismoConnect represents my vision of using thoughtful design to make technology truly human, intuitive, resilient, and life-saving.
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