Safety First
A reimagined framework designed to transform emergency preparedness in universities by making it a seamless experience
Skills
User Experience, Design Strategy, User Research, User Testing, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Cross-Collaboration
Solution
Safety First is a newly envisioned framework aimed at transforming climate emergency preparedness in universities, making it more accessible, engaging,
fun, and easy to understand for all members of the campus community
The Need
-
Climate emergencies are scary and unpredictable, not knowing how to act correctly will continue to negatively impact the safety and well-being of The New School community
-
Without clear communication, strong preparedness plans, and emotional support systems, students, faculty, and staff will feel lost, helpless, and overwhelmed in times of crisis and continue to live in fear and uncertainty
72%
55%
Were unaware of the emergency
evacuation procedures on campus
27%
62%
Haven't attended a safety/emergency
preparedness orientation
Were unaware of emergency helplines available and where to access them
Feel orientation prepared them well
enough to deal with an emergency situation
Better communication and
explanation of the procedure
for preparedness
Survey Insights
Challenge
Address and improve the school’s community preparedness plan
and communication methods for climate emergencies, conduct workshops with the New School community to explore innovative ways of using campus resources to address emotional distress in emergencies
Client
The New School's Office of Campus Safety (responsible for
handling all climate emergency situations for the entire New
School community and local residents in Union Square)
Clear communication
on what the plan is
before an emergency
Send alerts through
both texts and emails
Running through emergency
routines and scenarios
Teach through role plays and interactive experiences
A one pager or quick
link guide that is available
to everyone
Limited knowledge,
resources or awareness
Lack of local support or
personal network to rely on
Inexperience to respond
effectively during emergency crisis
Living far away
from family members
User Persona
-
Student at The New School
-
Originally from California
-
Resides in on-campus housing
-
Avoids official emergency drills (feels disconnected and confusing)
-
Uses group chats as the main way of receiving safety information
-
An easy way of receiving trusted information and updates
-
Opportunities to engage with preparedness in a low-stress, or even fun way
-
Unsure of the exact steps to take during sudden climate events
-
Feels emotionally and physically unprepared
DEMOGRAPHICS
BEHAVIORS
NEEDS
PAINPOINTS
Natashia, 20
User Journey
Natashia hears classmates talking about climate risks (floods, fires, heatwave) but doesn’t feel confident about what to do if something
actually happens
Looks up campus safety resources but finds them hard to navigate. There’s too much jargon, outdated links, and no clear next steps
Sees a flyer about Safety First at a sustainability event and signs up for a workshop. It’s interactive, easy to follow,
and even fun (collaborative activities, peer sharing, tips)
Finds Safety First workshop effective and starts to feel more confident about handling an emergency crisis. She recommends it to her friends at The New School.
If something went wrong, I wouldn’t
know what to do or where to go
Why is this all so complicated? I
just want a simple guide
This is exactly what I needed. Finally something built for students like me
Now I know what to do — and I’m helping others feel ready too!
Logo
Colors
#E82E26
#FFFFFF
Impact
"I am very impressed by your suggested improvements to our alert system and various channels of communication. With your permission, I would like to begin the conversation with the various stakeholders to implement your recommendations. I will always give you all the credit for the improvements, after all they are your ideas, and hopefully you will begin to see them come to fruition in future iterations of the communication channels. Let me know if you have any questions and thank you again for advancing our alert system"
Takeaways
-
Preparedness can be empowering: Safety First redefines emergency readiness as a tool for confidence, not fear
-
Everyone has a role to play: From students to staff, the framework is inclusive, accessible, and adaptable
-
Building resilience, together: It’s not just about surviving a crisis—it’s about creating a supportive community
Scott Beldford
Director Of Emergency Operations