App Prototype Preview
Experience the HerSignal user journey - from discreet activation to safe exit
Start Call Discretely
Using various accessibility options which you prefer (e.g. triple-tap power button), send a request to our server which will send you a fake call.
User Journey Steps:
The Shadow of Fear
Before exploring solutions, it's crucial to grasp the profound and widespread impact of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in public spaces. This threat is not abstract; it shapes daily lives, curtails freedom, and inflicts deep, lasting harm.
Altered Lives & Restricted Freedom
Nearly 50% of women in the UK feel unsafe walking alone after dark. Globally, countless women intentionally change routines, avoid public places, or limit participation in public life due to fear of harassment or assault.
The Mental Health Toll
Experiencing or fearing VAWG leads to significant psychological impacts, including increased anxiety, depression, PTSD, and a persistent state of hypervigilance for millions of women.
The Economic Impact
Gender-Based Violence, including VAWG in public spaces, imposes enormous economic costs, estimated at €366 billion annually in the EU alone through healthcare, justice system responses, and lost productivity.
Underreporting Crisis
Less than 10% of violence against women is reported to authorities, creating a massive gap in safety response.
The Safety Work Burden
Women perform constant cognitive labor such as route planning, attire choices, and vigilance - an invisible tax on freedom.
Mobile Safety Strategy
68-94% of women in developing countries report feeling safer with mobile phones, using them for deterrence.
The Science Behind Deterrence
Phone calls as safety tools aren't random. They're grounded in established criminological theories that explain human behavior in threatening situations.
Remote Guardian
Capable Guardianship
The call simulates the presence of a "remote bystander" or "capable guardian" who is aware of the situation, disrupting the harasser's confidence that their actions are unobserved.
The User's Shield
Non-Confrontational Strategy
Women widely adopt phone calls as a safety tactic because it's a low-stakes, non-confrontational way to alter a threatening situation. Instead of directly challenging a potential harasser (or even holding keys between knuckles), which risks escalation, a phone call introduces a perceived third party.
Perpetrator's Calculus
Rational Choice Theory
For a potential perpetrator, a person on the phone is no longer an easy, isolated target. The call increases the perceived risk of being identified, reported, or confronted.
Who Benefits
Users stories from women who need innovative safety solutions in their daily lives.
Ayesha Khan (24)
Use Case
Frequently walks home from university or late shifts; has experienced catcalling and following.
Needs
Discreet app access via smartwatch; AI call provides visible deterrent and records interactions.
Claire Newton (41)
Use Case
Works night shifts, commutes via public transport; worries about being targeted due to uniform and timing.
Needs
Easy-to-activate SOS voice command; AI bot reassures and collects evidence if needed.
Ella Macrae (17)
Use Case
Goes out with friends to city centre, but feels unsafe waiting for buses at night.
Needs
Parent-connected alerts; teen-friendly design that doesn't draw attention; quick tap to activate AI call.
AI-Powered Safety Shield
Transforming intuitive safety tactics into reliable, intelligent technology requires careful balance of innovation and ethics.
Hyper-Realistic AI Voice
Advanced text-to-speech generating natural, convincing conversation with varied personas and tones.
Familiar Voice
Your loved one can record their voice, allowing the model to imitate them, creating a sense of familiarity.
Instant Activation
Discreet activation avoiding conspicuous actions that could alert potential aggressors.
Tiered Alerts
Optional escalation to trusted contacts with location data if situations deteriorate.
Camouflaged Interface
Interface mimics standard call screens, allowing discreet use without revealing safety purpose.
User Control
Clear feedback and simple termination options maintain user agency throughout interaction.
Current Technology Landscape
Personal Safety Apps
✓ Strengths
Multi-functional, some police integration, evidence capture
✗ Limitations
Battery dependent, potential stalking tool, effectiveness unproven
Wearable Devices
✓ Strengths
Discreet, always accessible, automatic detection possible
✗ Limitations
Manual activation needed, victim-blaming concerns
Crowdsourcing Platforms
✓ Strengths
Community empowerment, data for planning, transparency
✗ Limitations
Subjective data, may increase fear, depends on authority action
Environmental Tech
✓ Strengths
Proven crime reduction, real-time threat detection
✗ Limitations
Privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, high costs
Beyond Technology
Though technology is useful in tackling violence against women and girls, there are various other factors that need to be considered in order to create a holistic approach to safety.
Environmental Design
CPTED Principles
Well-lit, visible spaces amplify deterrent effects. Technology complements but cannot replace thoughtful urban planning.
Education & Culture
Norm Change
Long-term prevention requires challenging harmful attitudes. Apps provide individual safety while education addresses causes.
Policy Frameworks
Systemic Response
Strong laws create accountability contexts. Technology empowers individuals while policy ensures institutional support.