The Fire/Smoke Alarm
Human-Machine Interaction & Usability
Improving Human-Machine Interactions to save lives.
Duration
4 weeks
My Role
• UX Research: Conducted all interviews with Captains at Fire Departments and fire and smoke alarms Users.
• Designed Persona to reflect research findings.
• Collaborated virtually with a team of 3 on all other elements of the project.
The User Problem
Fire and Smoke alarms are inefficient and cause stress when a false alarm is set off, causing users to sometimes disconnect, not replace batteries in a timely manner or ignore the alarm completely, which can cause fatalities in the case of an actual fire.
The Business Problem
It is estimated that 2,055,000 false fire alarms occur in the US each year. According to the Baltimore City Fire Department stats of Maryland by November, 2018 for that year, 6.83% of the 120,378 dispatched calls were due to False Alarms. The average Cost of dispatched units for false alarms is $1580, totaling $12,987,600 for the year of 2018.
Research
To understand the issue of fire alarm systems and what sets off false alarms, I conducted online research, interviewed several members of the Fire Department in Maryland and conducted a heuristics review of existing alarm systems. In addition, we also interviewed 5 users ranging from 30-70 years old to understand their experiences with smoke and fire alarms. We all shared a survey online as secondary research to obtain additional user behavior relating to alarms.
Discovery & Insights
While interviewing members of the Fire Departments, I learned that these are the common causes related to residential False Alarms:
I also learned that there is a difference between a smoke and a fire alarm, and that the general population does not understand that there is a difference between the two systems. That itself causes frequent false fire and smoke alarms due to those alarms being installed in the wrong locations within the home. For instance, Smoke Alarms installed next to bathrooms can be set off by steam from a shower, and Fire Alarms can be set off if installed in an area where the sunlight will cross its path.
Fire Alarms – (photoelectric)
detect light which sets them off
Smoke Alarms – (ionization)
include a beam which is set off
when intercepted
In addition to human error that cause false alarms, these are the Human-Machine Interaction Principals that are being violated due to the current design of Fire & Smoke alarms:
Height
Not being able to reach the alarm to disarm it can lead to users putting themselves in danger trying to turn off the alarm, or lead to fatalities if the users destroy the alarm with a broom or other object as reported by users and the Fire Dept.
Auditory
False alarms are loud and cause stress to the users.
Visual
"Signal Detection Theory" provides a precise graphical notation for users to analyze decision making in the presence of danger or uncertainty. Users aren’t aware of what the warning means. Is it a fire? Steam from the shower? Bacon on the stove?
Labeling
There is no contrast between the text and the surface of the alarm unit to indicate if the alarm is a fire or smoke alarm, causing users to install them in ineffective locations. Also, labeling the alarms as Photoelectric, or Ionization does not "speak the user's language."
The Design Process
Gathering the information gained from user interviews and surveys, we built User Personas to zero in on user goals, and frustrations surrounding fire and smoke alarm systems.
“The last time I attempted to turn off a false alarm while I was cooking, I got so frustrated. I just grabbed a broom and hit it and it broke. I'll replace it eventually..."
“Fire alarms in big buildings are very frustrating. I had to run down 17 floors to stand outside for an unknown reason.”
Based on findings from our research, our Design Goal was to reduce false fire and smoke alarms that can have fatal outcomes by designing a unit that will account for human-machine interaction principals to eliminate user pain points.
The Alarm System Concept
We developed an updated Alarm System Concept which utilizes features such as Bluetooth, LED motion sensor/warning light, and speakers. Here are our 3 solutions that are paired with the updated design to make it more user-friendly and efficient.
A panel/button hybrid that is located within reach on a wall surface. This solution features access to actions such as Bluetooth connectivity, system reset, system test, and silencing the system. The audience that most influenced this solution direction was the older demographic that may not want to adopt Voice User Interaction (VUI) or Smart-Home devices. That determines the need for physically accessible options.
Solution 1
An app integration that would allow the user to manually track, adjust and silence the system. The app could benefit from tactile aspects such as vibrations (of the phone) to notify the user of alerts or system updates, as well as auditory alerts. The app would allow a wide-range of users to adapt to the system giving them more direct control over their alarm as needed. All of the important information that user will need regarding the system will be found within the app, including: safety instructions, installation and all of the other information that is generally found inside the common units.
Solution 2
Solution 3
Integrating the alarm system with Smart-Home hubs, such as Alexa or Google Home, and their accompanying mobile applications. In a scenario where the user has the ability to communicate with other aspects of their home via their Smart-Home device, it should also be able to be utilized to communicate directly with the alarm system to give and receive feedback.
The VUI dialogue can prompt the system to learn common triggers of the alarm, as well as when it is necessary to call for emergency services.
The 3D Alarm Design
Test Battery
Bluetooth
Connection
Silence False Alarm
Test System
The Panel/Button
Reset System
The Alarm
Bluetooth
LED Warning Light
Motion Night Light
Speaker
Smart-Home App Integration
Amazon Alexa Smart-Home Interface
static state–check on the status of your alarm system quickly from an accessible menu.
Utilizing banner notifications to alert the user to important information requiring feedback.
Google Home Interface
Setting up or locating multiple devices in the users living environment to help pinpoint issues, system notices, low-battery, etc.
Push Notifications within the app that request quick engagement from the user in a manner that isn’t too invasive or alarming.
Pop-up notifications located on the home screen of the user’s device for updates even when the user isn’t utilizing the smart home application.
Measurements of Success
Two methods would be used to determine success of the alarm system MVP:
-
Expert Evaluations via heuristics reviews by fire department officials by method of Cognitive Walk-Through of the prototype.
-
Periodic Usability Testing with users, observations and iterations based on findings to determine usability of the Alarm System for Ease of Learning (quantitative) - time it takes to interact with false alarm features, Ease of Learning (qualitative) - user’s rating of ease of use, Efficiency (quantitative) - successfully perform tasks within set time-frame, Accuracy (quantitative) - number of errors and violations of separate tasks, Satisfaction (qualitative) - rating by user of overall experience.
Limitations
Since this phase was limited to 4 weeks, we did not have sufficient time to take the concept design to a prototype stage to be tested with users. However, users who have been shown our concept in illustrations and 3D design format so far have expressed an interest in having access to a finished product of our design for their homes. Our next step is to continue with usability testing of a prototype to take it into production for the marketplace.
Predicted Impact and Benefits of Design
The predicted benefits of producing this alarm system concept for the marketplace is a decrease in the numbers of false alarms, the elimination of dependency and cost of monitoring services, the minimization of issues/dangers associated with false alarms, and most importantly, to save lives.
UX Toolkit
SurveyMonkey, Illustrator, Fusion 360, Xtensio, Google Slides, Google Hangouts, Adobe Connect