Compass Project
Case Study
Role
UX Researcher
Co-Design Facilitator
Visual Designer
Figma
Framer
Common Ninja
Adobe Illustrator
Tools
Date
Winter 2025
A digital kiosk co-designed with people experiencing homelessness.
Built to improve access to trusted services in Savannah, GA.
Overview
This project was completed as part of a 10-week group collaboration through SCAD SERVE, in partnership with Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless (CSAH) and members of the Savannah community who have experienced homelessness. The Compass Project is a digital kiosk system that delivers real-time, accessible information on local resources, such as shelters, meals, and healthcare services.
Problem
Individuals experiencing homelessness in Savannah lacked a centralized, reliable source for service information. Word-of-mouth was often the only way to hear about resources, leading to gaps, confusion, and mistrust.
Service providers struggled with coordination, leading to misinformation. Existing information systems were inaccessible or out of date, making it difficult for people to find food, shelter, healthcare, or support.
Process
Co-Design Approach
Our approach was grounded in the Design Justice Principles, emphasizing the importance of voices with lived expertise. Through three workshops, we mapped community resources, co-created the interface, and consistently tested with participants.
Workshop 1:
Mapping Resources
Participants created murals, filled out resource journals, and sorted services based on urgency. They identified urgent resources which helped shape the information architecture.
Workshop 2:
Interface Design
Participants used iPads and a Figma component kit to wireframe key screens. They explored visual preferences and helped define layout and categorization.
Workshop 3:
User Testing
Participants tested the working prototype on both tablets and a kiosk screen, completing service-finding tasks and providing feedback on readability, navigation, and clarity.
Wireframes & Prototyping
Wireframes from Workshop 2 with participant feedback focused on high-contrast visuals and intuitive navigation.
Solution
Compass Project provides a touch-screen interface with clear categories, bold icons, large buttons, and a live search feature. Built using Framer and Common Ninja, it is easily updatable and ensures ongoing access for users.
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Impact
Presented to CSAH, the kiosk now shapes citywide resource coordination and stands as a model for dignified, inclusive public design.
Thank you!
This project was made possible through a collective effort rooted in deep trust and collaboration among local community members, SCAD SERVE, and the Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless.
Thank you to Carlin, James, Octavian, Pamela, Anthony, Ade, Sarah, and Audrey, whose lived experience shaped every aspect of this project.
Faculty Advisor: Shannon Iacino
Student Team: Juliana Gonzales, Nyja Holland, Fozzie Kretschmer, Olivia Mullins, Rachel Prado, Dylan Randall-Newberg, Javier Sauce-Diaz, Nency Vaghani, Pingyao Wan
CSAH Partners: Jennifer Dulong, Stacey Murray, Wanda Wesley