IntoxiBlock

IntoxiBlock is an app designed to tackle the grave issue of drunk driving. It's explicitly crafted for high-functioning individuals who struggle with alcohol yet still take the wheel. The app cleverly uses Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), coupled with Ignition Interlock Devices, to create a unique, effective barrier against driving under the influence. IntoxiBlock stands out as an example of how technology can be leveraged for societal well-being, bolstering road safety and fostering awareness about the perils of impaired driving.

Scope: Human Computer Interaction Design Course @ Cornell
Duration: One Semester (5 months)
Team: Group of 4
Tools: Figma, FigJam, Blender
Components: Concept, Research, Visual Design
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Recognition: Awarded Best Design Project & Impact Project among 70 groups at Cornell University. Link to Poster Presentation.

CONTEXT

The urgency to curb drunk driving has become even more alarming when confronted with the sobering reality- 37 lives are lost in the US daily due to alcohol-related accidents. Despite a strong aversion and a collective awareness of the dangers, the persistence of this issue stems from high-functioning individuals with alcohol abuse problems continuing to drive. Also, there is a critical lack of understanding about BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) levels, which leads some to believe they are capable of driving safely.

PROBLEM

We've identified a real lack of awareness especially among the younger crowd about how our behaviors impact the lives of others. Part of the impact is due to the prevalent misunderstanding of BAC levels, leading to a dangerous overestimation of one's ability to drive safely.

UNDERSTAND THE DESIGN PROBLEM

How might we design a product that effectively raises awareness among young people about the dangers of drunk driving and the impact of BAC levels on their ability to drive safely?

SOLUTION

A mobile app integrated with a personal breathalyzer that provides real-time feedback on BAC levels. This device not only prevents a vehicle from starting when BAC is above legal limits but also educates users through interactive content about the risks of drunk driving. By connecting consequences directly to behavior, we aim to cultivate responsible decision-making among young drivers. The app includes features such as tracking usage patterns and offering alternative transportation options, enhancing safety and awareness.

RESEARCH

We initiated our research by conducting interviews, collecting data to scrutinize individual perspectives.

USER INTERVIEW

In our study, we enlisted 8 participants fitting our user description—current Cornell undergraduate and graduate students engaged in social events with alcohol, including those with their cars on campus.

An integral part of our interview protocol was securing informed consent, emphasizing complete anonymity through assigned pseudonyms. This precaution was crucial given the sensitivity of the topic, ensuring participants felt comfortable being candid, particularly when discussing past instances of drunk driving. (IRB protocol)

DATA ANALYSIS

The team transcribed 240 minutes of conversation to extract valuable insights, categorizing them into critical areas such as experiences, safety strategies, personal stances on drunk driving, cultural beliefs & perspectives, and demographics. These categories were then further subcategorized for a more detailed analysis.

INSIGHTS

We extracted five pivotal insights unanimously resonating with all participants

• Advocating for enhanced access to safe transportation options.
• Demand for Portable BAC Testing Tools
• Cornell students fear drugging, impacting their decisions-making abilities
• Engaged in friends tracking for safety concerns
• Majority of student activities are centralized in collegetown or downtown Ithaca

BUILDING PERSONA

After gaining our insights, we refined our problem statement -
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"A student who consumes alcohol needs to address their pressing concerns, including enhancing access to transportation services like Uber, ensuring better friend tracking capabilities, improving safety standards for drivers and providing a reliable means for testing blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels because they want a secure means in Ithaca to travel safely to and from social events where alcohol is consumed, ensuring their safety and peace of mind."

WIREFRAMES

For our initial sketches, we explored different features we could possibly integrate into the app. We brainstormed ideas on Figjam. We sketched & built a car key using cardboards and paper to mimic an actual key. The key's functionality allows users to share their location without any mobile device and acts as a portable breathalyser. We also built our storyboard!

FEEDBACK

At the midpoint of our project, we conducted user testing with 10 students to gather their initial feedback. The insights from this testing were then integrated into our high-fidelity prototypes.

HIGH-FI PROTOTYPES

For the Intoxiblock prototype, we concentrated on integrating our proposed features and developing a more streamlined interface. Rather than elaborating on every screen, our aim was to advance the core functionalities of the product into testing phases to evaluate their practicality. We 3D printed the key component and conducted tests with four users to gather initial feedback.

USER TESTING & FEEDBACK

We tested the prototype with four users—two fitting our target group and the other two meeting most requirements for inclusion. All of our users said that they would highly recommend the interface to their friends.
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However, based on the feedback received, we -
• Replaced few icons to avoid confusion
• Introduce light mode for better accessibility during the day
• Displayed all the recorded level instead of the latest testing stamp

Like to see our prototype, IRL? Watch here

REFLECTION

Creating a modern solution for responsible alcohol consumption required me to integrate best practices in user interface design with a personalized user experience. This included the development of a physical product—a car key—and a sophisticated understanding of Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels. The project demanded meticulous attention to how different features might impact user choices, ensuring that the solution was customized for each individual, and refining the integration of the car key itself.

Introducing a technology like IntoxiBlock, which imposes certain restrictions, naturally encountered some resistance. This experience highlights the delicate balance required between enforcing safety measures and respecting personal freedom, emphasizing the need for clear, persuasive communication to build user acceptance and trust.

KEY TAKEAWAY

User-centered design is crucial in uncovering detailed requirements and navigating complex challenges such as resistance to new restrictions, the balance of personal freedom, and the necessity of clear, compelling communication to foster acceptance and trust.

IntoxiBlock

CONTEXT

RESEARCH

BUILDING PERSONA

MEET Lily

WIREFRAMES

LOW-FI TESTING

HIGH-FI PROTOTYPES

REFLECTION

KEY TAKEAWAY

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