Digital Products
Show Me for Emergencies: Updating a Lifesaving App for People with Communication Challenges
01 / The Challenge
The Challenge
In an emergency, being misunderstood can be dangerous. People with limited English proficiency, disabilities, or communication barriers need a faster, simpler way to express themselves to emergency responders.
02 / The Shift
The Shift We Made
We transformed a paper-based icon flipbook into a multilingual mobile app that empowers responders and civilians to communicate clearly when every second counts.
03 / The Work
How We Did It
- Directed the redesign and visual strategy for the award-winning Show Me for Emergencies app
- Created nearly 300 multilingual, culturally neutral illustrations optimized for cognitive accessibility
- Integrated visual hierarchy, icon labeling, and notepad functionality in an intuitive UI
- Built in support for 13 languages and usability-tested with diverse audiences
04 / What Happened Next
What Happened Next
Winner of the 2025 ClearMark Award, Mobile App Category
Featured in the Nielsen Norman Group’s Enterprise Mobile Showcase
Used by emergency personnel across Massachusetts and beyond
05 / Why It Mattered
Why It Mattered
This app gave thousands of people a way to be heard when it mattered most.