Ushahidi

Too frequently technology, particularly in the form of a mobile device, gets a bad rep. People are constantly taking a break from their mobile phones and going “off grid.” What may seem to some as technology disturbing the rhythm of life, is actually a weapon to others. I first learned about an organization called Ushahidi at Chirp the Twitter: Developer’s Conference, there I listened to one of the founders speak about an open source platform called Ushahidi, which means “testimony” in Swahili. The technology isn’t new, nor impressive, but what it’s used for and how it’s used, is simply brilliant. The platform was created for people to be able to report an emergency or crisis taking place around them. This open source platform is used all over the world in three different ways, SMS (texting), MMS (photo/video taken by a smart phone), and/or by submitting a report on the web, the idea was born when violence broke out in Kenya post elections, in 2008. People needed information and they needed it fast. Ushahidi kept followers informed with real time geographical data, it allowed swift organization, ultimately saving lives. The tool has since then been utilized in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan and India.

The tool is successful because its easy, accessible and deployable world wide, but that’s not the only reason it’s become successful, Ushahidi is a small organization, it wouldn’t be able to do what it’s doing with out its team of volunteers who design and develop all over the world. If you’re a designer or developer and would like to get involved, to help save lives, check out this page.