Exitpert | 2021-2022

Designers: Ka Yu Katie Li, Chi Hang Paul Lo, Kin Wai Michael Siu,  Yi Lin Elaine Wong, Wing Hei Audrey Yip, Public Design Lab / School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 
Client: Public Design Lab / School of Design, Hung Hom, Hong Kong

Exitpert is a revolutionary and innovative mobile application to alert people in a fire emergency and thus maximize the chance of survival among victims in danger.

The existing fire alarm system has a serious loophole that when the alarm is activated, you gain no information about the location of the fire and the corresponding escape route, or whether it is a false alarm. People feel panic and confusion instead of making a fast response to the situation. The confusion may cause delayed or inappropriate actions that hinder firefighters from putting out the fire and rescuing victims efficiently, eventually leading to more injuries and fatalities.

Exitpert offers an exceptionally reliable fire alarm system with inclusive, informative and compatible features using the location services via GPS, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, and RFID.

To address diverse needs in a population, users can customize the alarm in different levels of light, sounds and vibration patterns in a fire emergency. People with different needs, for instance, hearing-impaired persons, can use a strong flashing light for emergency alerts.

It serves as a platform for the Fire Service Department (FSD) to alert the public of fire emergencies and provide information about the location of the fire immediately. Information about deciding whether to leave or stay at the scene would be provided for people to respond appropriately to fires. The suggestion of the nearest ‘ Fire Escape Route’ helps newcomers, especially the tourists, to escape from fires in unfamiliar buildings, such as hotels. The information can calm people with emotional support and allow them to respond appropriately to the fire. Besides, people can seek help via this Exitpert App by making an emergency call even if they do not know the number. Meanwhile, the FDS can also keep contact with the public by issuing warnings for any unexpected situations.

Exitpert is compatible and functionable in different kinds of buildings worldwide.