Client: FirstNet | First Responders Network Authority Supervision: Dr. Kate Kapalo, IUPUI Project Team: Esen Gokpinar-Shelton, Rob Quick, Sakshi Shirbhate, Nick Weiner
My Role
I collaborated with a cross-disciplinary team of four graduate students who sought to understand first responders’ contexts and how wearable technology could best serve their mission. I assisted in the synthesis of a comprehensive literature review, compiling an annotated bibliography, conducting user interviews, developing executive summaries, drafting reports and sharing our team’s insights through presentations to our client, FirstNet Authority.
Project Summary
Our project sought to gain a comprehensive understanding of how wearable technology could be used to enhance firefighters’ safety and effectiveness, with a particular focus on critical firefighting activities.
Duration
15 weeks January 23 - May 2 2023
Scope
Our project reviewed and synthesized existing literature based on wearables’ utility for first responders. Market research helped to better understand the state of the industry. We examined our client’s practices, technologies, and focus areas and sought an in-depth understanding of how wearable technology could assist in firefighters’ situational awareness and decision-making process.
The Problem
Applications for wearable technology range from helping people monitor vital information to staying in touch with close friends and family. While this technology is increasingly ubiquitous in modern society, there is a need to explore the use of wearable applications that support the mission of first responders, specifically firefighters.
Gather firefighters’ perceptions of the use of wearables and AI-assisted technology
Identify ethical concerns related to firefighters’ use of AI-wearable devices
Offer preliminary design recommendations for AI-assisted integration in firefighting operations
Literature Review
Our project team examined 67 journal, conference articles, book samples and other commercial and academic writings, all of which focused on wearable device usage in first responder services and wearable technologies. Our review of the literature provided an analysis of state of the art wearable technology both in general and specifically for firefighters, identifying its advantages, disadvantes, and opportunities.
Market Research
We developed a catalog to compare different aspects of wearable devices for firefighters (e.g. device type, operating system, battery life, charging time, comfort, durability, size, weight, sensor types, connectivity options, communication capabilities, display type and resolution, and user interface).
User Research
We asked leaders in the fire service questions that were wearable-specific to understand types of wearable technologies used in firefighting. We sought to understand their perceptions regarding the ethical implications of using AI wearable devices in firefighting, and their preferences for receiving alerts and notifications on AI-assisted wearable devices in various emergency situations.
Literature Review
Our literature review found that there are several advantages to the use of wearables in firefighting, such as increased safety, real-time monitoring of vital signs, and improved coordination during emergencies. However, there are also technical limitations, including security concerns and cost. Opportunities for further development include the use of wearable sensors for auditory, tactile, and visual feedback, the development of peer-to-peer systems, and edge computing.
Market Research
Furthermore, our market research found that there is an increasing demand for wearable technology among firefighters due to the need for improved situational awareness, communication, and safety. Trends in the market include the use of sensors to track vital signs and the storage and management of data in the cloud.