Safe-Out is a digital concept designed to improve the nightlife safety of young women in Rotterdam. By combining real-time location sharing, accessible safety information, and a peer-driven community forum, the app empowers users to look out for each other and make informed choices making going out feel safer, more connected, and more supported.
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In my first year of Communication & Multimedia Design, I was challenged by VONK, a Rotterdam-based innovation space, to develop a digital solution that supports one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. I chose SDG 5: Gender Equality. I focused on the question: ‘How can we help women aged 16 to 24 feel safer when going out in the Rotterdam region?’ Research quickly showed that this issue was widespread, yet often underreported and difficult to measure. For example, 77% of the women I interviewed had experienced some form of sexual harassment while going out. That confirmed the urgency of the problem and the need for a practical, accessible solution tailored to their real needs and concerns.
The project lasted six weeks and followed a structured design process. I began with a preparation phase, outlining my planning, methods, and goals. In the research phase, I conducted both desk and field research. Desk research revealed a lack of accessible data but highlighted the seriousness of the issue. After that i went on with interviews, which gave me powerful personal insights into how unsafe many women feel while going out. From there, I moved into the define phase, where I created user profiles, framed the problem, set design principles, and clarified the direction of the solution. In the design phase, I translated my research into a digital prototype. The key features were designed with and tested by the target audience to ensure usability and relevance. After testing, I refined the product based on feedback and delivered the final prototype along with a concept video.
The final concept is called 'Safe-Out'. It is a mobile app that supports young women (16–24) in feeling safer when going out in Rotterdam. Safe-Out offers several features in one interface: - A location-sharing function, where users can link phones with friends before a night out. The app alerts the group if someone unexpectedly leaves the club or strays too far. - An information hub, including helplines, what-to-do scenarios, and a list of clubs that meet a safety “seal of approval.” - A community forum where users can share experiences, tips, and warnings to stay informed and support each other. Each feature is designed to be easy to access and use in real-time situations. Safe-Out brings both peace of mind and practical tools together in one platform, making the nightlife experience a bit safer and more empowering for young women.
