U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) introduced a series of new features within the Navy’s LiveSafe smartphone application during the second phase of a six-month pilot program.
Organizational changes to the homepage, links to location-based transportation resources and volunteer opportunities were implemented after program managers received feedback from Sailors that have used the app during the first phase of the pilot program.
A social media misconduct reporting and guidance feature will soon be available on the app.
The social media feature aims to provide users content from Navy-specific administrative messages (NAVADMINS) that break down proper and improper online conduct and a tip button for reporting online misconduct to authorities.
(Learn More, courtesy of LiveSafe and Vimeo)
“We’ve done two rounds of focus groups and after each we completed changes to the app and created content we thought Sailors would be interested in based off the feedback from the focus groups,” said Capt. Charles Marks, USFF’s sexual assault prevention and response officer.
“We made some pretty significant structural changes to the app, adding links to taxi services and things that we hope improve our Sailors’ experience with the app.”
Some of the changes include a facelift to the app’s homepage menus which were restructured by category vice alphabetical listing to make navigation easier.
The updated taxi service feature allows users to call local taxi services that have been cleared to drive on base for more convenient pick up and drop off services for Sailors.
Developers also added links to advertise and volunteer for community service projects giving Sailors the option to share information about local volunteer events and sign up.
As a part of the phase two pilot, program managers hosted focus groups to discuss new updates to the LiveSafe smartphone application and usefulness to the fleet.
During the discussions, Sailors spoke to LiveSafe representatives about their experiences using the application and ways to improve the application.
“In today’s world everyone is trying to be anonymous and this app is a great way to do that,” said Yeoman 1st Class Brendan Little. “The best part is that Sailors can help prevent destructive behavior without confrontation.”
The application will continue to provide region-specific maps displaying locations and hours for emergency services, Fleet and Family Support Centers, sexual assault response coordinators, legal services, and off-limits locations. Content will be available even when WiFi or cell phone signal is disabled.
(Learn a little about the LiveSafe platform and the people behind it. Courtesy of LiveSafe and Vimeo)
“The Navy is exploring different and innovative things in regard to reducing destructive behaviors. We know that these things impact readiness and we want to put the control in Sailors’ hands by giving them options for resources to make informed decisions and help out shipmates,” said Marks.
“It’s a theory that we are testing that LiveSafe can counter destructive behaviors by putting resources in Sailors’ hands while on liberty or away from the workplace.”
Once downloaded, users will have access to local and base emergency services and a special “Walksafe” feature allowing Sailors to temporarily share their GPS location with someone of their choosing.
As they travel, the Sailors will be able to communicate with their chosen person through phone conversation or silently, depending on the circumstances. Once the Sailor has arrived at their destination and is free of possible dangers, the GPS tracking can be disabled.
All Sailors in Hampton Roads and Naval Station Rota are encouraged to download the app, use it, and provide feedback during periodic focus group meetings regarding the app’s use and ability.
Sailor feedback has been and will continue to be a crucial part of the pilot program to ensure the Navy knows the shortfalls and issues with the program prior to its Navy-wide launch.
The app, developed by LiveSafe with the Navy, is available for free in Apple’s App Store and the Google Play store.
Download at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/livesafe/id653666211?mt=8 or http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.livesafe.activities&hl=en
LiveSafe is a leading mobile safety communications platform delivering actionable crowdsourced safety and security intelligence, preventing incidents before they occur and connecting people to the help they need.
