iSiteGo: Firefighter Spatial Awareness
In this semester-long HCI project, I worked in a partnership context with the Indiana University Crisis Technologies Innovation Lab to explore improved real-time communication between on-scene firefighters and dispatch through shared geospatial context.
 (2)_1.png)
Overview
I designed iSiteGo to improve responder coordination during dynamic emergency conditions. Existing systems provide portions of the workflow, but field and command operations still rely on fragmented communication. Through this project, I explored how a role-based interface system could unify dispatch guidance and on-scene decision support with indoor spatial awareness.
Problem Space
My research and stakeholder synthesis showed recurring issues: limited real-time updates, insufficient indoor positioning support, inconsistent information visibility, and systems that are difficult to use under time pressure. Firefighters often receive critical context verbally while operating in low-visibility, high-stress conditions. I used those findings to identify where dispatch teams required better methods for sending targeted updates and route guidance without adding cognitive load.
Goals
Understand current indoor geospatial and communications workflows used by firefighters and dispatchers.
Identify pain points in response coordination, tracking, and role-based information exchange.
Design techniques for dynamic iconography, mapping, and floor-plan communication that I could use to increase safety and clarity.
Methods
Research stack
- Secondary research
- Competitor analysis
- Interview synthesis
- Affinity mapping
- Persona creation
Design stack
- Storyboards
- Dual user flows (firefighter + dispatcher)
- Paper sketches
- Low-fi prototypes
- Heuristic review
Key Findings
My literature review supported the need for accurate indoor positioning and stronger interoperability between mapping, tracking, and command systems. My interview synthesis highlighted that responders value standardized plans, but need more context-specific information at incident time, including interior layout cues, hazard indicators, and faster updates. Affinity mapping surfaced priorities around reliability, simple interaction, minimal input burden, and high legibility under stress.
Competitor Review
I assessed QuickRoute, Fire Rescue Systems, ProMove-V, and ArcGIS Pro. Common strengths included mapping depth and command integration. Common gaps included on-scene display usability, indoor map clarity for field teams, and cost or complexity barriers. I used those gaps to shape iSiteGo toward a combination of dispatch-level monitoring and a clear, quickly readable field interface.
Solution + Prototype
I developed the concept around two role-specific interfaces: firefighter wearable map support for hazards, exits, and victim routing, plus dispatcher console tools for coordination, status tracking, and targeted route updates. My prototypes emphasized color-coded urgency, clear iconography, and low-friction interaction patterns.
 (2)_20.png)
 (2)_21.png)
 (2)_24.png)
 (2)_25.png)
 (2)_18.png)
 (2)_15.png)
Evaluation
My heuristic review identified refinements for color communication, grouped-responder legibility, and selective dispatch updates. Feedback emphasized interface simplicity, breadth of communication tooling, and practical alignment between field and command use. This evaluation helped me confirm the concept direction while surfacing concrete targets for iteration.
Next Steps
Expand direct interviews with firefighters/dispatchers across varied departments and experience levels.
Validate hardware placement and interaction feasibility in realistic response contexts.
Iterate toward higher-fidelity prototypes and scenario-based testing with role-specific tasks.