Kristen Barry

For every $1 invested into disaster preparedness we save $7 in disaster relief, yet most people are far from prepared. My design project incorporates emergency supplies into everyday objects so that preparedness is a part of everyday life.

Description

The largest barrier to disaster preparedness is the cost to prepare. Why purchase something you will likely never use? Even though a small investment could save lives, the majority of the population does not prioritize purchasing emergency supplies before disaster strikes. I have taken this design problem and crafted a solution: incorporating emergency provisions into objects that people carry every day. I have maintained the original lifestyle value of accessories like wallets, zippers, and scarves while granting them a greater purpose as a Trojan horse for life-saving devices. My design project persuades users through usability and portability that emergency supplies can play a functional role in their daily lives.

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Thesis