A project with profound social impact (CSR). The Commoditech team built Your Umbrella from the ground up (end-to-end), enabling individuals at risk of domestic violence to discreetly access support and safely document evidence.
🔗 View project liveSocial Mission and Innovative Discreet Mode
The biggest challenge in developing an application for victims of domestic abuse is ensuring user safety. Abusers often monitor their victims' smartphones. To address this, we engineered an innovative Discreet Mode. Outwardly, the app looks and acts like a standard weather forecast tool. Only performing a secret gesture sequence or pressing a hidden trigger unlocks the confidential portal offering psychological and legal support.
Key Application Capabilities
The application seamlessly combines educational, support, and evidence-gathering tools:
- Directory of support organizations – rapid GPS-based geolocation of nearby crisis intervention centers, emergency helplines, and legal aid points.
- Hidden Incident Journal – record encrypted notes, take photos, or capture audio files documenting abusive incidents. Files are not saved in the device's photo gallery, but transmitted to secure cloud storage (serving as evidence for law enforcement or court proceedings).
- Panic Button (SOS) – instantly dispatches emergency messages with real-time GPS coordinates to pre-configured trusted contacts or emergency responders.
Scope of Delivery and Commoditech's Contribution
As the technology partner, we delivered a comprehensive non-commercial solution:
- Security concept and architecture – proprietary UI concealment and data isolation mechanisms.
- Branding and visual identity – naming, logo design, and informational campaign assets.
- Psychological consultations & UX/UI – collaboration with counselors to build empathetic, secure user pathways.
- Native Development – native apps in iOS (Swift) and Android (Kotlin) with publishing on App Store and Google Play.
Your Umbrella received extensive nationwide media coverage and has aided thousands of individuals in danger. Read our detailed blog article and view our App in the Media page. For inquiries regarding social and CSR technology initiatives, feel free to reach out.
Technologies and Competencies Used
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does the hidden mode work in the Your Umbrella app?
After installation, the app presents an innocuous weather icon and interface displaying real-time forecasts. Only executing a custom gesture sequence and entering a secure PIN opens the actual support system for victims.
Where are the notes and photos from the incident journal saved?
Incident records, audio memos, and photos are never stored in the phone's local memory or photo gallery to prevent discovery by abusers. They are encrypted and sent directly to a secure cloud server or a designated email address.
Want to know more about our work? Go to the full Commoditech FAQ page.
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