Crowdsourcing Data for Safer Travel Experiences for Women in India
Xiao Yuan Huang, Emma West, Sai Samba Karthikeya Pinnelli · 2023
In 2018, the Thomas Reuters perception survey ranked India as the most dangerous country for women due to the high risk of sexual, and non-sexual violence, and harassment [2]. In a study conducted by Jagori and UN Women in Delhi, it was observed that the highest number of incidents reported by women occurred on buses, other public transportation, and on the streets [3]. With the rise of women traveling and entering the workforce, it's critical to observe how Information and Communications for Technology and Development (ICTD) may be designed to increase female safety while traveling. Through a diary study, competitor analysis, and user interview methodology, our team uncovered unique challenges in public transportation, social and gender role expectations, and familial interventions that shape the safety of women in Southern India. Informed by our research, we created Navi.io, a mobile safety application that enables users to feel safer and make informed decisions when traveling by utilizing crowdsourced data and connecting with contacts in transit.