A SMART MAILBOX FOR TRAVELERS
Make a service for displaced people in 2 weeks
CHALLENGE
How can a homeless person provide a permanent address to obtain benefits if they don’t have a home?
SOLUTION
Utilize cluster box units [CBU] and branded drop boxes for a new kind of mailing system.
MY ROLE
I worked on a team with 2 experience designers but focused on creating mockups and visualize how the mailbox would live in the world.
66% of homeless people have been inconvenienced by not having a physical address.
anonymous surveys and in-person interviews
Placed on the physical grounds of private properties, Snailboxes are therefore registered as actual addresses.
In many instances, a PO Box is not approved as a physical address and will not solve the problems that not having an address creates. PO Boxes can be expensive and a burden to those already struggling, but if we engage voluntary nomads (RV & houseboat dwellers) as subscribers their fees can help pay for those who cannot afford it.
PROBLEM + OPPORTUNITY
A MOBILE-FIRST SOLUTION
Many of the homeless depend on phones as a lifeline but can’t afford data plans.
They rely on public wifi networks to access services and communicate. This is why a mobile-first solution is so important. Creating an alternative physical mailbox allows homeless or displaced persons to receive mail at public spaces and register for services that require a physical address.
ONBOARDING
Users can sign up online where they choose a Snailbox location and set a PIN number. Coupon codes will be sent by request to those who are unable to pay for the service.
PROCESS
mindmap
emotional journey
UI prototype
app sitemap
survey results
VALIDATION
MALE INTERVIEWEE
in-person
“the library idea is really good because lots of homeless people use the resources there...if i was still homeless, i would use this service"
FEMALE INTERVIEWEE
in-person
“it would be very useful for someone like me, who lives in a different place every couple of months.”
FEMALE INTERVIEWEE
online survey
“[i have been inconvenienced by] not receiving important, time-sensitive court documents, denials for health insurance and other government benefits.”
DATE
august 2017
TEAM
ruthie edwards - XD
katrine limseth - XD