StudyTracker/SafetyExit

A discreet app (disguised as a to-do list) that helps survivors document incidents, locate shelters, and create safety exit plans. It is designed for women with limited phone privacy.

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Inspiration

Domestic violence survivors, especially women in abusive situations, face the terrifying reality that simply searching and asking for help can escalate the danger they are already in, hence why they often need discreet access to safety resources. We were inspired by real stories of survivors and other vulnerable individuals who have had to find creative ways to reach for help to build a resource that provides actionable help in their hands, while keeping them protected.

What it does

SafetyExit is a safety companion disguised as a homework planner called “StudyTrack”. Tapping a simple settings icon reveals the real app, which helps users find nearby domestic violence shelters using their current location data or zip code. It also allows them to work through an emergency escape checklist and keep a PIN-protected private incident log that never leaves a user’s device.

How we built it

SafetyExit was built using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as a Progressive Web App (PWA) with no frameworks or backend. All the data is stored locally via localStorage and never transmitted. The app has two layers: a functional homework planner disguise and a hidden safety tool with a shelter finder, escape checklist, and PIN-protected incident log. Custom PWA icons and a configured manifest file allow it to install on a phone's home screen under the name "StudyTrack" with a neutral icon, maintaining the disguise at the OS level.

Challenges we ran into

While building this web app, we encountered two big challenges. The first challenge was building the disguise layer, as we had to build a page as convincing and superficial on the surface, such as a homework planner, while making the real app instantly and efficiently accessible. Another challenge we ran into was linking a user’s location data with real shelters based on their accurate location so they could access useful resources.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Our biggest accomplishment is the idea of building an app that is not only functional but is thoughtfully designed for safety and real-world use. SafetyExit includes real, usable features, and we’re most proud of our disguise feature, which turns the app into a believable homework planner. This adds a critical layer of protection for users who may be monitored, making the app safer to use in dangerous situations.

What we learned

We learned that building an app for real-world problems requires more than just coding; it requires empathy and user-centered design. We also learned how to work collaboratively and divide responsibilities effectively to integrate multiple features into one cohesive application

What's next for StudyTracker/SafetyExit

Moving forward, we would like to expand the app to make it even more accessible, adding real-time updates for shelter availability and expanding the database to include more global resources, as well as further enhancing the disguise mode to suit the users needs. Long-term, our goal would be to turn SafetyExit into a fully deployed app that can reach and support real users, partnering with organizations that help survivors of domestic violence.

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