MELT — ICE Activity Reporting App Prototype
Problem
The MELT project began with a real and urgent need: to create a simple, trustworthy tool that helps immigrants, their allies, and human-rights advocates track and respond to ICE activity—especially during the Trump administration, when raids became more aggressive, unpredictable, and at times unlawful. For many people, the arrival of ICE can mean immediate fear, confusion, and the potential separation of families. Yet the United States has only one known app that attempts to track ICE raids, and it suffers from poor usability, outdated information, and a confusing interface.
This gap highlighted a broader systemic problem: vulnerable communities lack accessible, multilingual, and intuitive tools that empower them to protect themselves. MELT was created to imagine a prototype that could fill this void by offering a clear, fast, and stress-free way to report, view, and understand ICE movement. The goal was to design an interface even a first-time smartphone user could navigate in seconds during moments of fear or uncertainty.
Role
I served as the UX/UI designer for MELT and was responsible for every stage of the design process—from gathering research and sketching initial concepts to building high-fidelity screens and conducting usability tests. Although this was a solo design project, I collaborated with my professor, classmates, and several family members who acted as usability testers. Their real-world perspectives played an important role in shaping the clarity and accessibility of the final design. My responsibility was to ensure the prototype aligned with the project’s mission: to simplify complex information and reduce friction for a highly vulnerable user group.
Process
Research & Insights
I began by researching ICE arrest data using nonprofit organizations and U.S. government websites to understand patterns, language, and reporting categories. I also downloaded and evaluated the only existing ICE-tracking app. While it provided a useful reference point, its flaws—poor information architecture, unclear icons, and inconsistent language—reinforced how important a redesign was.
Key insights included:
- Users need immediate access to a map and rapid reporting tools.
- Language support is essential due to multilingual communities.
- The interface must remain calm, minimal, and free of distractions.
- Users under stress cannot afford complicated navigation.
Personas & Use Cases
I identified three core user groups: immigrants seeking safety information, allies wanting to monitor local ICE activity, and community organizers needing a way to verify reports quickly. The primary use case became:
“I need to instantly know whether ICE is in my area and understand my legal rights.”
Sketches & Concept Development
To begin visualizing the app, I created hand-drawn sketches to explore layouts focused on clarity and ease of use. These initial drawings guided the structure of the high-fidelity prototype and helped refine the main navigation.
Usability Testing
Before finalizing the design, I asked classmates, family, and friends to test early prototypes. One major issue surfaced: I had two sections labeled “Legal,” which caused confusion. Their feedback led me to rename Legal Resources → Help and reserve the legal icon for Know Your Rights information. This single change significantly improved the flow and reduced cognitive load.
Solution
High-Fidelity Design
The final design opens with a clean black-and-white map—chosen intentionally to reduce visual noise and keep the experience emotionally grounded. Three essential functions—Report, Help, and Browse—sit at the top for instant access.
Key Interactions
- Submit ICE sightings or incidents
- View nearby reports
- Access legal rights (recording, silence, documentation)
- Browse legal resources and support networks
- Switch languages or toggle dark mode
Accessibility Considerations
- High-contrast interface
- Minimal text paired with clear iconography
- Simple IA for low-literacy or high-stress users
- Future potential for bilingual or multilingual UI
Design Rationale
The entire interface follows a simplicity-first approach. In moments of fear or uncertainty, users need clarity, not decoration. The color palette, spacing, and hierarchy all support quick decision-making.
Prototype
(Insert Figma link or embed here.)
Impact
Although a student project, MELT demonstrates how thoughtful design can provide clarity and empowerment to vulnerable communities. Testers described the prototype as clean, intuitive, and approachable. The streamlined navigation and renamed sections reduced confusion, and the clear entry points helped users feel more confident navigating the app. With further development, MELT could provide real-world value by supporting community-based reporting and improving access to legal resources.
Reflection
This was my first time creating an app and my introduction to UX/UI. I started the project with almost no understanding of the design process, but by the end, I gained a strong appreciation for research, iteration, and user feedback. If I could redo the course, I would take it in person for more guidance, but I’m proud of how much I accomplished independently. MELT taught me how design can support human rights and community safety, and it set the foundation for my future growth in UX/UI. I now see countless ways to improve, refine, and expand the concept—but this first attempt marks an important milestone in my design journey.
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