SafetyShortcuts
Hidden shortcuts to call the police unnoticed
About the project
SafetyShortcuts was one of my first official projects. The concept was strong and well meant: if you felt unsafe, you could call the police unnoticed through Apple Shortcuts. It did not go the way I hoped. That is fine. I saw where it could be better.
On the site you downloaded shortcuts with a hidden menu that looked like something ordinary, like ordering a pizza. That way you signaled how serious the situation was without drawing attention. Create an account, download, done. The site itself just did not look strong enough.
- Hidden menu for emergencies
- Shortcuts for Apple devices
- Accounts and downloadable shortcuts
The challenge
In an unsafe situation you want help without anyone seeing what you are doing. A normal call app or an obvious panic button stands out. I wanted something that blends into everyday actions on your phone.
The solution
Through the Shortcuts app on Apple devices, an emergency action looked like something innocent, like placing an order. Behind that menu sat the real severity of the situation. Multiple shortcuts covered different scenarios.
What went wrong
The idea was better than the site around it. Little attention, a weak look, and later too little maintenance. The site grew outdated and less safe. That is why I took it offline.
As a first official project it still stands: a strong intent, and a clear lesson about product, design and upkeep.
