We developed a small, handheld sensor to track when and where people feel unsafe in urban areas that are still growing or changing. The device has a button that people can press when they feel at risk, sending us real-time data.
It also includes GPS and light sensors, so we can understand not just where people feel unsafe, but also when—like at night or in poorly lit areas. A group of women used the device for 10 days, and the data clearly showed specific places where they felt most uncomfortable.
To make sure the data reflected real experiences, we held workshops with the community. People reviewed the results, shared their stories, and helped us understand the context behind the data.
Now, we’ve developed a mobile app to scale this tool and collect information from more people in different neighborhoods.