Crew Canopy

Every summer in California, approximately 1,000,000 acres, or 166,000 square miles are destroyed by wildfire. And every day, over 20,000 wildland firefighters work around the clock to control and extinguish these deadly wildfires. Wildland firefighters work 10+ hours a day, 7 days a week, for weeks on end- and all they have is a tent and a sleeping bag. 

In a team of four, we sought to learn about and create a solution to the problem space.

First, we conducted extensive desk research, expert interviews, and user interviews to gain a genuine understanding for our user’s lived experience. In research, we interviewed and worked with 2 active contract wildland firefighters, and 2 local fire captains. After gaining inital vital insights, we developed core design principles to ground our design process. 

With a clear understanding of the problem space and goals, we began exploring possible solutions. This phase included storyboarding, sketching, prototyping, and continuously sharing the work with our potential users and experts. I led in the prototyping phase, moving between ideation, creation, and communication. 

During this process, I learned the importance that our prototypes and storyboard effectively communicate their purpose, goal, and design principles. Poor communication is poor design. Most significantly, I gained an appreciation for truly user centered design. Speaking with and working with real people showed me that the solution to a problem is more so held by its user group- not by the designer. To center the user is to put aside my preconceived notion of what a solution may look like and start by genuinely listening. 

Over the course of a month, we emphasized building and rebuilding, getting feedback on ideas via storyboarding, and creating an effective, feasible solution. With the help of advisors, experts, users, and peers, we came to a a completed, final prototype. 

The finished Crew Canopy was a modular, transportable unit which attached to the back of paramedic truck and provided additional medial and emotional support to wildland fire fighters at camp. The shelter included an air purifying and conditioning unit, non-emergency medical supplies (ie over the counter medication, hydration powder), socks, yoga mats, and more. The purposeful attachment to the paramedic truck meant that paramedic staff were able to oversee and manage the space- a literal extension of space and capabilities. This space covers the existing gap between when a firefighter is perfectly healthy to needing to seek serious medical support. This is a space for anyone to sit, relax, get a little body boost, check in with a mental health expert, and get a breath of clean air- no justification necessary.