GuideGenie

Ghostship Fire

Inspiration

Did you know that the tragic Ghost Ship warehouse fire in 2016, which claimed 36 lives due to disorientation and inability to find exits, could have been prevented with improved navigation tools? This disaster, along with incidents like the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 and numerous other building fires, underscored the urgent need for reliable emergency navigation systems. These events motivated us to develop GuideGenie, an app designed to ensure safe evacuations and prevent panic. Research indicates that during emergencies, 75% of individuals fail to locate the nearest exit due to confusion and panic. Shockingly, in 2020 alone, over 3,000 people lost their lives in structure fires in the U.S. This alarming statistic was a driving force behind the creation of GuideGenie.

Ghostship Fire

What it does

GuideGenie represents a paradigm shift in emergency evacuation technology, specifically engineered to address the challenges of low situational awareness during crises such as fires. When triggered by a fire alarm, GuideGenie deploys a localized push notification to all mobile devices within a building, seamlessly integrating with its advanced indoor positioning system.

Utilizing sophisticated indoor positioning algorithms, GuideGenie provides users with real-time, three-dimensional navigation cues directly on their devices. These visual cues include a dynamically generated pathway illuminated in high contrast, ensuring clear visibility even in conditions of panic, confusion, or low visibility.

For users with impaired vision or in scenarios of zero visibility, GuideGenie offers additional support through tactile feedback. By vibrating to confirm directional movements, it provides crucial reassurance that users are on the correct path to safety.

GuideGenie's technology is meticulously designed to operate autonomously, requiring minimal user interaction during critical moments. Its robust architecture ensures reliability and scalability across various building types and emergency scenarios, making it an indispensable tool for enhancing evacuation efficiency and safeguarding lives.

How we built it

We used advanced AR technology and indoor mapping to create GuideGenie. The app integrates with existing building layouts and emergency protocols to provide real-time, accurate navigation.

What's next for GuideGenie

Next, we plan to expand GuideGenie’s capabilities to include integration with building security systems and real-time updates from emergency services. We also aim to implement the app in various industries and continuously improve its accuracy and reliability.