“Sentry”: Website for Human-Elephant Conflicts in Sri Lanka | UI/UX Case Study
“Sentry” is a web-based platform that works on an island wide level to track the areas with elephant attacks, find out why this happens, make people aware of how to avoid these and how to deal with the aftermath, and to allow philanthropic hearts to help rebuild the shattered lives of the victims of these attacks.
Written by: Disara Mapalagama
Concept by: Disara Mapalagama, Minuri Hewage, Dushyantha Thilakarathna, and Navindu Rathnayaka (2nd Year BSc. (Hons.) Software Engineering undergraduates from the Faculty of Computing of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka)
OVERVIEW
Human-elephant conflict (HEC) is a pressing and complex issue that poses a significant threat to both human communities and elephant populations in certain rural areas of Sri Lanka. This conflict arises due to the overlapping habitats and competition for limited resources between humans and elephants.
“Sentry” is an advanced web-based platform that operates at a nationwide scale, diligently monitoring and tracking areas affected by elephant attacks in Sri Lanka. Its comprehensive functionality goes beyond mere tracking, as it strives to investigate the root causes behind these incidents. Through informative resources and awareness campaigns, Sentry aims to educate individuals on effective strategies to prevent such encounters and provide guidance on how to cope with the aftermath.
Moreover, Sentry serves as a compassionate platform, appealing to the philanthropic spirit within individuals. It offers a means to extend support and aid in rebuilding the lives of those affected by these devastating attacks. By connecting generous hearts with those in need, Sentry fosters a sense of community and collective responsibility, empowering individuals to make a positive difference and contribute to the restoration of shattered lives in the aftermath of these incidents.
NEED FOR Sentry
In recent years, the severity of HEC in Sri Lanka has been a cause for concern. The loss of lives and properties in these conflicts has resulted in devastating consequences for both humans and elephants. According to available data, an alarming average of 250 elephants and 80 people lose their lives annually as a direct outcome of HEC in Sri Lanka.
The economic impact of HEC cannot be overlooked either. Crop damage caused by elephants can lead to significant losses for farmers, affecting their livelihoods and exacerbating poverty in the affected communities. Furthermore, the destruction of infrastructure, such as fences and houses, further amplifies the financial burden on individuals and communities grappling with HEC.
Efforts to mitigate HEC and promote coexistence between humans and elephants have been undertaken in Sri Lanka. These initiatives include the implementation of early warning systems, the establishment of protected wildlife corridors, and the use of innovative deterrent methods such as beehive fences to deter elephants from entering agricultural areas. However, the challenges in finding sustainable and long-term solutions to HEC persist, requiring a multi-faceted approach involving government agencies, local communities, conservation organizations, and scientific research.
Addressing HEC is not only crucial for the conservation of elephant populations in Sri Lanka but also for ensuring the safety and well-being of human communities living in close proximity to these magnificent creatures. Identifying the need to explore innovative strategies and foster collaboration among stakeholders to minimize the loss of lives, reduce property damage, and create harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants in these vulnerable regions, we came up with “Sentry”.
The Department of Wildlife at a discussion with the Hon. Minister of Agriculture, Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation, Mahinda Amaraweera revealed that the wild elephant population in this country has exceeded 7000 according to a recent survey finding. (Source: Ministry of Agriculture — Sri Lanka — Wild Elephant Population in Sri Lanka swell up to 7000 (agrimin.gov.lk))
The following article stands as proof of the number of human and elephant deaths due to HEC in 2020.
Fifty-five people were killed across Sri Lanka within the past six months over the human-elephant conflict.
A total of 112 persons were killed due to elephant attacks in 2020
Official statistics showed that 318 elephants were killed in 2020
DESIGN OBJECTIVES & GOALS
The main goals of “Sentry” are to track the areas with elephant attacks, find out why this happens, make people aware of how to avoid them and how to deal with the aftermath, and allow philanthropic hearts to help rebuild the shattered lives of the victims of these attacks.
Sentry provides a “Quick Report” facility where a reporter can easily fill out a small form with important information related to the attack. They can locate the area of attack on the map next to the report form.
An informative awareness page is included with the story of Human-Elephant Conflicts covering ‘How it happens’, ‘Why it happens’, ‘Dealing with the aftermath’, and ‘Avoiding HEC’.
To provide users with a visual representation of the areas prone to elephant attacks, the map incorporates a color-coded system. Specifically, potential areas of elephant attacks are demarcated using a lighter shade of red, while areas currently experiencing severe attacks are highlighted in a more vibrant and intense shade of red. This visual distinction allows users to quickly identify and differentiate between regions with varying levels of vulnerability, aiding in their understanding of the prevalent risks and enabling informed decision-making regarding safety measures and resource allocation.
Through the donation gateway, individuals are provided with a convenient platform to contribute towards the cause, offering flexibility in terms of donation options. This user-friendly interface facilitates both one-time and monthly monetary donations, allowing donors to choose an amount that aligns with their financial capacity and willingness to support. The available donation range spans from LKR 100 to LKR 5000, ensuring that individuals can contribute according to their means while making a meaningful impact in addressing the challenges of human-elephant conflicts.
Recognizing the diverse user base in Sri Lanka, the website has been thoughtfully crafted to cater to the needs of its users by offering a multilingual interface. With a focus on inclusivity, the website seamlessly supports three prominent languages spoken in Sri Lanka: Sinhala, English, and Tamil. This linguistic diversity ensures that users from various backgrounds can access and engage with the website’s content comfortably, fostering a sense of belonging and enabling a wider reach for valuable information regarding human-elephant conflicts.
To enhance public awareness about the threats posed by human-elephant conflicts, a dynamic newsfeed providing daily updates on the latest incidents of elephant attacks is incorporated. This comprehensive newsfeed serves as a valuable resource, delivering timely information and insights to keep individuals informed about the ongoing challenges and risks associated with human-elephant conflicts. By staying up-to-date with the latest news, people can gain a deeper understanding of the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for proactive measures to address these conflicts.
USER PERSONAS
Four user personas of potential users, including a philanthropist who would like to donate to the victims of the attacks, a reporter who would update the newsfeed, a victim who needs to report elephant attacks, and a travel enthusiast who needs to stay updated and be aware of the level of safety in his journey, are given below.
USER FLOW
The initial user flow mapped with GitMind for Sentry is given below. The user flow covers all points of navigation throughout the website.
LOW FIDELITY WIREFRAME
A traditional pen-and-paper wireframe drawn for Sentry is given below.
The digital wireframe mapped with Miro is shown below.
HIGH FIDELITY MOCKUPS
Follow the link below for the Adobe XD preview of the UI design:
https://xd.adobe.com/view/1479c475-5b20-4601-af2f-9238a0781bf9-412a/
INFORMATION DESIGN
Usage of media:
Images from the internet, and the software: Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop were used to create the assets of the UI design.
Colour Palette:
4DC777 (Light Green): This vibrant shade of green, 4DC777, is chosen to represent growth, harmony, and nature. It aligns with the theme of human-elephant conflicts, symbolizing the importance of environmental preservation and coexistence. This color choice is intended to evoke a sense of hope and positivity while emphasizing the significance of finding sustainable solutions.
Logo:
An abstract design of an elephant is used to represent the core focus of Sentry, which is addressing human-elephant conflicts. This captures the essence of the issue, allowing for instant recognition and association with the cause. With the abstract representation of an elephant, the logo can stand out and engage viewers, drawing them in to learn more about the mission and objectives of Sentry.
DESIGN REVIEWS
NAME & TAGLINE
- Name: Sentry
A “Sentry” is a term used to describe an individual or system responsible for monitoring and guarding a specific area or location. Often associated with security and protection, a sentry is entrusted with the task of maintaining vigilance and alertness to ensure the safety and integrity of the designated area.
In the website’s context, ”Sentry” takes on a figurative meaning, representing an advanced digital tool or system that actively monitors and tracks areas affected by human-elephant conflicts. This virtual sentry works to provide timely information, raise awareness, and aid in the prevention and management of such conflicts, acting as a guardian for both human communities and elephant populations.
- Tagline: Intellect vs Innocence
The tagline “Intellect vs Innocence” is used to represent the striking contrast between the cognitive capabilities of humans and the pure, instinctual nature of elephants and their innate behaviour, driven by their basic needs, familial bonds, and social dynamics within their herds. This tagline emphasizes the challenge of finding a balance between utilizing human intellect to address conflicts while respecting the vulnerability and innocence of elephants.
BOTTOM LINE
The concept of Sentry is an approach to minimizing human-elephant conflicts in Sri Lanka by instilling a clear understanding of why, when, and how the attacks occur, within the users and providing quick reporting facility at the time of attacks, so that the responsible parties would look into the matter on time.
“Sentry— Intellect vs Innocence”
