Redesigning the Humanitarian Data Toolkit

Kristin Abkemeier, Felipe Cabezas, Sarah Fathallah, Seth Labadie, Rachel Thompson

Key Insights We looked at the entire journey the Humanitarian Data Toolkit goes through.

After 8 user interviews, 10 team meetings, and 12 prototypes, we kept hearing:

We need to create a sense of order in

the chaos

I wouldn’t know if anything is

missing from the case

I just want to get there and

start as soon as possible

Problem Statement

How might we quickly and reliably use the HDT without losing our

minds or any of its components?

In a context where urgency is key, and time is

valuable.

When data quality cannot be

compromised.

Considering different cultural contexts and users of varying levels

of technical knowledge.

Given the considerable investment and irreplaceability of the

components in certain contexts.

Our Solution

Centered around a color coding system that is about grouping components into functions, EasyPack makes connecting the components and cables as easy as matching colors.

Overall, EasyPack is two-fold: 1. Case additions that aim at systematizing the HDT

2. Accompanying guides that aim at explaining the HDT

EasyPack is an intuitive and and easy to implement organizing solution to use the HDT and keep track of its components.

EasyPack

The Final Prototype

Color coding and outlining in the case itself

Color coding cables, plugs, and hardware components

Numbering and listing all hardware components

Packing list and Checklist

Hardware quickstart guide in the case

Software quickstart guide in the laptop

Why is EasyPack desirable?

User testing showed preference for color coding, compartmentalizing and visualizing assembling and packing processes.

Intuitive Using colors and numbers keeps the HDT relevant and understandable

across different cultural and technical contexts. Snap-on

dividers are removable, which enables the case to be used

for other purposes and with other components.

Language & Technology

Agnostic Transportable

The different layers of coding and organizing help minimize potential errors and losses.

Fool-proof

Still fits as a carry-on to minimize theft and luggage mishandling and provides a place for an official letter to help through customs and police processes.

Why is EasyPack feasible? We provide Internews with an implementation guide to help realize this solution, including

detailed lists of materials, budget, vendors in

DC and London, etc.

Easy to implement

Ready-to-use EasyPack works with the size of the current case and all the dimensions of the current HDT component.

Practical With the exception of the GPS tracker that is meant to be a permanent component of the HDT, EasyPack comprises of low tech and practical elements.

Why is EasyPack viable?

Materials needed to implement this solution can be easily sourced and replaced in downtimes between deployments.

Easy to replace

The overall cost of this solution is around $700,

which represent less than 10% of the total cost of

the current HDT.

Affordable

Flexible We provide further budgeted options for Internews that require hardware replacements, which can be used for their potential crowdfunding campaign.

Moving Forward

A near final prototype to guide any further developments.

An implementation guide to realize this solution.

Volunteering our time to support implementation.

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Thank you!