New Designers: Ally by Joshua King

- written by Laura 

Brunnel University London graduate Joshua King scooped up the Joseph Stannah Award at New Designers 2018 for his grad project Ally, a technologically clever and deeply thoughtful wearable device and accompanying app that supports sexual assault survivors. Given the horrifying statistics that 11 adults are sexually assaulted every hour in the UK, we were keen to talk to Joshua to find out more.

‘Last year there was 12% increase in the number of self-referrals to sexual assault clinics,’ says BSc Product Design graduate Joshua, ‘but the number of available councellors just isn’t hitting this. Ally has the ability to monitor a user every minute of every day while being as discrete as possible. It provides 24/7 support.’

The Ally device, which slots discretely on a bra strap or under a waist band or can be worn around the wrist like a Fitbit, monitors a user’s electrodermal activity, which picks up when someone is particularly stressed or anxious. It flags up worrying signals to the wearer’s counsellor and, if they choose, their loved ones. They can reach out if the wearer is having a tough time, making them feel supported and secure.

Ally also acts as a personal safety device which can be triggered by a safe word or a button press. When triggered it sends a text to a list of pre-programmed contacts and other nearby Ally users, while also recording a short audio clip that could be used for evidence. ‘The user always has control over who receives the distress signal, and who has access to their data,’ says Josh.  Ally can also be connected to Electronic Point of Sale devices so users can notify bar staff if they find themselves in a bad situation. It’s a clever project that has thought deeply about the psychology of survivors and what will both help their recovery and make them feel safe.

Joshua came up with the idea when his friend’s drink was spiked on a night out. While she emerged unharmed, it got him thinking, what could he design that would help those that weren’t so lucky? Joshua says, ‘The original project focused on creating an anti-spiking device, but I realised that sexual assault is a lot broader issue and more prominent, particularly with more men coming out about their experiences. The device is inclusive to everyone, not just women.’

Due to ethics restrictions, Joshua couldn’t work with survivors directly but worked closely with counsellors and medical practitioners to develop the device. Ally can also gather quantitive analysis about how patients are progressing, giving counsellors a better picture of treatment strategy. The app can help survivors to understand situations that might be triggering their anxiety, further supporting their recovery.

Ally looks great and we love that it is completely gender neutral. For his winning project, Josh will receive £1000, and a six-week paid placement at Stannah’s design office. We can’t wait to see what Joshua gets up to next.