From App to Action
about case
Building a Hardware-First Panic Button for Real-World Safety
To address compliance gaps, device misuse, and scalability challenges, I led the end-to-end rollout of Wrkspot's Standalone Panic Button — a hardware device that operates independently of smartphones. This initiative enabled Wrkspot to serve unionized hotels, cut installation costs, and elevate the brand's credibility in the hospitality safety tech market.
Key Contributions:
01
Initiated and ran the vendor evaluation process
02
Coordinated QA, LTE signal testing, and safety simulations
03
Drafted product briefs and compliance documentation
04
Built internal training guides and rollout playbooks
05
Collaborated with Engineering, R&D, CS on GTM execution
The Challenge
Wrkspot's original panic system required Bluetooth pairing with a phone app. This:
Delayed deployment due to setup complexity
Created friction for staff and encouraged misuse
Required company-issued smartphones (especially in unionized hotels)
Solution:
A discreet LTE-enabled badge-style panic button that operates independently.
What We Set Out to Solve
Eliminate mobile phone dependency for panic button use
Overcome union and labor compliance limitations
Expand Wrkspot's safety offerings to new customer segments
Cut the cost and complexity of installation
Discovery Highlights
1. Conducted interviews with hotel GMs, union reps, and HR managers
2. Audited installation feedback and pairing failure rates
3. Researched panic button regulations in NYC, LA, and other cities
Vendor Sourcing
1. Reached out to 8+ manufacturers
2. Assessed: ADA compliance, battery life, form factor, LTE signal strength
3. Chose a badge-style device with a hidden red button on the back
Testing & Validation
QA tests for latency, LTE signal loss, and battery life. Field simulations in:
Courtyard hotel
Beach resort
High-rise property
Confirmed direct backend integration via LTE
GTM Enablement Created:
01
Install guides
02
Safety checklists
03
Loom walkthroughs
04
Trained Implementation and CS teams
05
Built product messaging and sales enablement decks
Key Metrics
100%
mobile-free panic button usage
30%
decrease in hardware costs
3
Hotel environments passed compliance testing
20+
new unionized hotel accounts unlocked
What We Delivered
Device Independence
100% removed phone reliance
Cost Savings
~30% hardware & LTE unit cost savings
Market Expansion
20+ unionized hotels unlocked
Field-Readiness
Passed testing across 3 hotel layouts
Form Factor
Badge-style, discreet panic button
Supporting Artifacts
Vendor Scorecard Matrix
LTE SIM Cost Comparison
Loom Training Walkthroughs
Installation & Safety PDF Guide
Product Brief & Sales Pitch Deck
Stakeholder Insight
“We’ve wanted to offer Wrkspot for years, but mobile device policies and union compliance blocked us. The new panic button changed everything — we rolled it out in less than a week.”
Director of Ops, Union Hospitality Group (Fictionalized)
What Worked
1. Solved real compliance + labor issues with a hardware-first solution
2. Sourced and validated hardware quickly
3. Enabled smooth GTM with field-ready documentation
What Could Be Improved
1. Bring in Marketing earlier for external-facing rollout
2. Add in-app feedback tools for real-time device performance tracking
Personal Growth:
This project strengthened my skills in hardware testing, compliance-focused product design, and leading fast-paced, cross-functional product development in regulated spaces.
Project Overview
The Problem & Objectives
Research & Execution Process
Results & Deliverables
Retrospective
