Goal
Role
Tools
Outcome
Develop innovative systems to improve preparedness during emergency events
Graphic Designer
Design Researcher
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Miro
​
Successfully pitched concept to client
with strong interest
to implement it
Overview of Client
The New School is a private research university in New York City. The New
School's Office of Campus Safety is in charge of handling all climate emergency situations for the entire New School community and local residents in Union Square.
Challenge
Problem
Limited knowledge, resources or awareness
Solution
Address and improve the school’s community preparedness plan and communication methods for climate emergencies, expand relationships with local community advocacy groups to increase communication, and share resources for climate emergency preparedness, conduct workshops with the New School community to explore innovative ways of using campus resources to address emotional distress in emergencies.
Climate change has intensified local weather conditions, bringing excessive heat, stronger storms, coastal flooding, and wildfires. Many recently moved individuals staying away from their parents or native hometowns struggle to navigate emergency situations.
Lack of local support or
personal network to rely on
Inexperience to respond
effectively during emergency crisis
Living far away
from parents
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.
Why
Mission
Vision
Survey Insights
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.
To empower university students, faculty, and staff with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to navigate climate emergencies confidently through clear, actionable guidance and fostering a culture of preparedness.
To envision a future where universities are resilient hubs of safety and preparedness, where every member of the community feels ready to face climate emergencies with clarity, unity, and purpose.
72%
Were unaware of the emergency
evacuation procedures on campus
62%
Were unaware of emergency helplines
available and where to access them
55%
Haven't attended a safety/emergency
preparedness orientation
27%
Feel orientation prepared them well
enough to deal with an emergency situation
Better communication and explanation of the procedure
for preparedness
Clear communication on what the plan is before an emergency
Send alerts through both
texts and emails
Maybe even during non emergency events, send reminders and information
Running through emergency routines and scenarios
Teach through role plays and interactive experiences
More sensitivity towards emergency crisis, an email saying remote was an option for the day
Training on canvas platform, awareness through
promotional materials
A one pager or quick link guide that is available to everyone, having on hand information
User Persona
Demographics:
-
Undergraduate student at The New School
-
Originally from California
-
Resides in on-campus housing​​
Behaviors / Actions:
-
Participates in campus social gatherings, workshops, and events
-
Avoids official emergency drills (feels disconnected and confusing)
-
Uses group chats as the main way of receiving safety information
​
Natashia, 21, New School Student
User Journey
Finds the Safety First workshop effective and starts to feel more confident about handling a crisis. Natashia recommends it to her college friends.
Looks up campus safety resources but finds them hard
to navigate. There’s too much jargon, outdated links, and
no clear next steps
Needs:
-
An easy way of receiving trusted information and updates
-
Opportunities to engage with preparedness in a low-stress, or even fun way
​
Painpoints:
-
Unsure of the exact steps to take during sudden climate events
-
Feels emotionally and physically unprepared​
-
Doesn't know who to contact during crisis
​
Natashia hears classmates talking about climate risks (floods, fires, heatwave) but doesn’t feel confident about what to do if something
actually happens
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
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)
Now I know what to do — and I’m helping others feel ready too!
Logo
Color Palette
Typography
#E82E26
#FFFFFF
#000000
Prototype Overview
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"
Scott Beldford
Director Of Emergency Operations
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