Step 1: Research the context.

Before we can imagine a useful solution for a problem, we must first understand what the situation or challenge is that is being experienced.  We must first understand the challenges being faced by these people who are suffering.

This is the context of the problem.

Deliverable:

1. What is the disaster event you are investigating?
2. Where did this event happen?
3. How many people were affected?
4. What are 3 examples of system failures where these people live?
5. What are 3 examples of services that were critical and were needed by these people?

Step 2: Develop empathy for the survivors.

We must get to know the user to be able to build a service or product that a survivor can truly use and benefit from.  

This is where we empathize with our survivor.

Deliverable:

Select a representative individual at the disaster site and develop a fictional story about him or her.  The story will tell

‘A day in the life of ______’.  

This story will describe the fictional person affected by the disaster, will give details about this person’s 10th day from start to finish, and will especially include the thoughts and feelings of the person as the person navigates his/her day as a survivor of the disaster.

Design your story for Day 10 after the disaster when the survivor has developed an understanding of the magnitude of the problem and is beginning to wrestle not only with the loss but uncertainty about his/her future.