Angela

An empowering service that connects people to create safe spaces for uncomfortable situations. We offer a discreet and convenient way for people to ask for help from nearby Angels and business-owners.

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Inspiration

We were inspired by the Ask for Angela campaign, which encouraged bar patrons to use a code word to discreetly notify staff that they feel unsafe. In researching the campaign, we found that the campaign had poor execution in many instances. We wanted to find ways to make this idea more discreet and have increased practicality. We decided that the best way to accomplish this was through a mobile app, where the user can discreetly alert businesses associates or other nearby users of the app we like to call "Angels".

What it does

When in need a user can send an alert to our "Angel Network" of business-owners or other users in the database with the descriptive details and their level of danger. Once the request is sent to our network, Angels can respond to the user's request based on the details they are given. If there is a high-level of danger our application will send an alert to emergency services.

Example Scenario

Angela is on a blind date with someone she met with on the Internet. She feels an uncomfortable vibe developing and wants a way to exit the date without being rude, or putting anyone else at danger. Since the urgency is not too high, her call will reach all Angels on our network, with the partner-establishment she is in being the first preference. Ideally, an associate from the partner-establishment will discreetly help Angela be removed from the situation.

How We Built It

We utilized Android Studio, developing most of the back-end in Java. We utilized Google Maps API to implement the map feature.

Challenges

This idea had a lot of moving parts that all had to work synchronously. Connecting all of these different aspects was the most difficult part of development. Additionally, implementing the Google Maps API into our application posed many problems.

Accomplishments

We figured out how to manage the different versions of tools within Android Studio (which we had never used before) we had, which included the UI, SMS messaging, and Maps aspects.

What We Learned

This was our first time developing apps in Android Studio. So, we learned gained proficiency in Android Studio, as well as using Google Maps API, implementing SMS-sending feature, and managing data.

What's next for Angela

We hope to fully implement all of our conceptualized aspects: implementing live location tracking integration for our Angles, improved UX, partnerships with businesses, cloud storage for the user database, and a full marketing-campaign.

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