Koro Alert Siren

Imagine waking up to the sound of gentle waves caressing the sandy shores, the vibrant colours of the turquoise ocean stretching as far as the eye can see, and a warm breeze brushing against your skin. This is a daily reality for the people of the Pacific Islands, where the breath-taking beauty of the natural world is an integral part of their lives. However, amid this paradise, there lies a significant challenge that threatens the very existence of these communities.

Research

Both primary and secondary data speak volumes about the urgency of improving forecast communication in the Pacific Islands. Emotions of fear and panic, combined with a strong willingness to adopt new technological tools, emphasise the pressing need for a solution. Nostalgia for traditional methods, such as megaphones, reveals the community’s deep-seated need for reliable information during emergencies. While over 57% of the community is somewhat prepared for hurricanes, what’s truly encouraging is that 80% of community members express a strong willingness to adopt new technological tools to enhance forecast communication and preparedness.

READ MORE RESEARCH HERE

“So I introduce to you, an innovative design solution to enhance the preparedness of remote communities in the Pacific Islands.”

The Koro Alert Siren is an innovative design solution to enhance the preparedness of remote communities in the Pacific Islands. The siren receives real-time updates and data from the National Weather Agency, utilising a circuit board and V-chip powered by lithium-ion batteries for satellite and radio connectivity. Placed strategically around the countries, the system’s self-sustaining power source, which includes high-efficiency solar panels and lithium batteries, ensures uninterrupted operation, even in adverse weather. Additionally, the speaker system consists of a radio receiver chip for backup communication, prioritises inclusivity for all residents, and incorporates cultural elements like a tapa print to blend in with the environment. This technology not only addresses immediate concerns but also demonstrates a commitment to long-term sustainability and preserving the unique cultural and ecological diversity of the Pacific

oPERATION

Once the National Weather Agency is Alerted of the impending danger and regions it is going to affect, alerts are then sent to the specific devices. Meaning it can receive real-time updates and data from meteorological stations, ensuring that the information it broadcasts is always current and accurate.

The Koro Alert Siren is equipped with a circuit board and V-chip, powered by four internal lithium-ion batteries, which enables satellite and radio connectivity. These sirens are strategically placed in various areas of Fiji, as the sound system has a radius of up to 25km.

Key Features

A remarkable feature of this device is its self-sustaining power source. The device is equipped with high-efficiency solar panels that harness the abundant solar energy of the Pacific Islands. These panels charge lithium batteries, ensuring uninterrupted operation, even during extended periods of adverse weather.

The Koro Alert Siren is equipped with a radio receiver chip. This backup system ensures that, even in the rare event of satellite network disruptions, the device can continue to receive critical information and convey it to island residents.

The Speaker Siren system is designed to be inclusive, ensuring that all residents, regardless of language or physical ability, can receive and understand crucial information. This inclusivity addresses a vital aspect of effective communication and disaster preparedness in these diverse island communities.

With the introduction of this innovative technology, we not only address immediate concerns but also demonstrate our commitment to long-term sustainability, resilience, and the preservation of the unique cultural and ecological diversity of the Pacific Islands.

Aesthetics

When creating devices, the form must look true to its function. This allows communities to trust in the technology and eliminate conspiracies that may arise.

I decided to go with High-Density Polyethylene as this is the best material for outdoors. The subtle embossing of the tapa print, a traditional art found in many Pacific nations, ties the speaker back to the cultural heritage. Although this is a military device, its intended purpose is to camouflage within its surroundings, which is why natural colours were chosen to resemble the greenery these remote villages are surrounded by. This device is then to be mounted and screwed on wooden poles as demonstrated in the previous pictures.

In terms of interior components, we have a solar-powered exterior that charges and stores power in four lithium-ion batteries. These batteries then power the chipboard, which is home to the circuit board and V-chip, to get alerts instantaneously. This is then attached to the speaker and lights, which allows the alert to be conducted.

physical prototype