A collaboration with an international NGO uncovering human rights violations and helping to protect and empower marginalised and oppressed communities.

Our client (undisclosed) supports and trains a network of human rights activists in hard-to-access locations around the world who operate miniature covert cameras to film human rights abuse and violence in their own communities. The footage they have secured has assisted a wide range of advocacy measures and seen the prosecution of many responsible for inciting political violence and other crimes around the world.

However, gathering verifiable intelligence in this manner comes with many risks. There are certain challenges that restrict the organisation’s ability to enhance both their impact and operational capacity - specifically a range of technological limitations that result in camera operators feeling exposed and vulnerable when using them.

With a grant to work together secured from the Knowledge Management Fund (supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs) we were able to work with this NGO over a 6-month period, with the aim to enhance their operations on the ground by redefining and engineering their camera from the ground up, in order to address the technological and user-experience challenges they face, and ultimately helping to empower communities at risk. This project resulted in a prototype/proof-of-concept that addressed a range of issues they were facing.

Process

Discovery
We began with a comprehensive discovery and research phase to expand our understanding of the different environments our partner operates in, the experience levels of the users, the challenges they face with their current technology and the solutions that have already been explored. We conducted in-depth user interviews to gain real insight into the context, operational practicalities and key features of the cameras that were in use, as well as their assumptions and expectations for a redeveloped product.

The key underlying observation we had was that the success of the operations depended heavily on the trust and confidence that the user had in their camera.

Design
We, therefore, began this phase with the guiding question:

How might we create a sense of safety and confidence amongst the operators using the device?

We used this to develop a list of desirable criteria during a brainstorm, from which the key areas that we were to explore emerged: size, modularity, robustness and ease of use for the less technologically skilled. There are many diverse scenarios in which this concealed device is used, thus its versatility is paramount. Below: example of use in real life, illustrated.

Hidden in backpack

In fixture and remote activated

Wearable

*Kit providing range of options depending on needs of mission.*

Development
We developed a covert prototype camera with a variety of modules and functionalities that enabled users without significant technical knowledge to easily utilise different hardware features (such as various camera lenses and microphone options) for a variety of situational contexts. Easy to conceal and robust, it allows for remote control of the camera and adds a layer of security to both the audio and video, which represent our partner’s most valuable resources. The prototype was taken to the field by our partner for user testing, an in-depth process in which the various elements of the product are examined and considered, resulting in ongoing feedback for our development process. The goal is that this modular audio and image recording system can reliably grow with the needs of our client and not become outdated with new technological developments.

Impact

Not only is the monitoring and recording of injustices around the world a great disincentive to violence, corruption and abuse, but it is also a crucial step in helping to secure access to justice for many communities in conflict around the world. Though the device is in the initial stages of development, further collaboration will positively impact our partner’s work in the long run and therefore could help raise public awareness and exert pressure on governments and multilateral institutions to take action.