Cova.os
Industry
AI & Technology
Instructed by
Umeå Institute of Design
Collaborators
Swedish & Norwegian police
Project Team
Rachel Chuman Zhang & Lin Shen
Timeline
6 weeks

Overview

Cova.os is an integrated operating service powered by advanced AI technologies, offering proactive cybersecurity measures, online crime reporting capabilities, and the identification of digital risk areas. Ebba represents an innovative fusion of human expertise and AI, dedicated to providing guidance and support teenagers in addressing online offenses and digital threats.

Online environment
for teenagers

In Sweden, the police face challenges adapting to the rapid advancements in online technology, which has led to a gap in managing cybercrime effectively. The systems currently in place do not offer a robust method for reporting crimes committed online. Moreover, there is a notable deficiency in cybercrime awareness among the youth.

Background

This project represents a partnership between the Umeå Institute of Design and the Swedish & Norwegian police forces. Its primary goal is to enhance the Swedish Police Authority's online presence, responding proactively to the swift digital changes in society. With crime, particularly those targeting children and young adults, increasingly moving online, it's vital to establish robust early crime prevention measures on the internet to protect our most vulnerable citizens effectively.

Interviewing the Polisen for Contextual Understanding

We conducted in-depth interviews with multiple members of the police force to gain insights into their perspectives on their crucial role in safeguarding and protecting children and youth from digital crimes. These interviews explored their responsibilities, desired measures, and collaborative initiatives, including one-on-one discussions and interactive co-creation activities like journey mapping.

“Easy access to reporting online crime to the police is the need of the hour”

How might we create a safer digital environment for youth, develop user-friendly online reporting tools for digital threats, and provide the Swedish police with the data needed to identify and address hotspots of digital crime more effectively?

Curating Co-creation Workshops

Given that the project addressed a sensitive topic—cyber attacks on teenagers, including reporting incidents, involving the police, and sharing personal experiences—we quickly recognized the need for a co-creative approach. To ensure the final concept was truly user-centric, we designed workshops to actively engage stakeholders from the beginning of the design process, fostering collaboration and empathy as we developed solutions.

Digital Crime Scenario Co-Creation

We organized a co-creation session where we introduced a digital crime scenario to a group of participants. To enhance engagement, we assigned roles to participants that aligned with the context of the scenario. Throughout the session, we encouraged participants to delve into the various aspects of the scenario by asking questions related to 'who, what, when, why, and where,' fostering a collaborative exploration of the situation.

Cova.os - Modes

This design system includes two distinct modes—Equator and Arctic—each offering unique features tailored to create a safer digital environment for young users. The Equator mode provides a balanced level of guidance and protection, allowing users to explore while still benefiting from safeguards. In contrast, Arctic mode offers a higher level of independence, encouraging responsible digital behavior with a more hands-off approach. Together, these modes adapt to different needs, ensuring young individuals can navigate the digital world safely as they grow in confidence and understanding.

Scenario

1. Erik receives an inappropriate image from a classmate.

2. Cova AI immediately blurs the image and sends Erik
an alert, informing him that the content is not appropriate.

3. Erik is given two options:

- Chat with ‘ebba’ for guidance.
‍- Report the incident.

4. Erik chooses to chat with ‘ebba’ for help.

5. ‘ebba’ offers Erik guidance and support, helping him understand
the situation step by step

Features

Cova.os is built with features to create a safe and supportive digital environment for young users. Its AI provides comfort and reassurance if they encounter a digital threat, guiding them through the steps to report the incident to the police or reach out to trusted individuals. Below, I've outlined exactly how this system works to ensure their safety and peace of mind.

Scenario

When facing online threats or issues, Erik can reach out to Ebba for help. Through Ebba, he can:

1. Report crimes or threats directly to local authorities by sharing evidence

2. Connect with Cova Companions—a support network of registered members like teachers, friends, and family within Cova's online community.

These Cova Companions provide Erik with guidance and support every step of the way.

Features

Cova.os is an integrated operating service powered by advanced AI technologies, offering proactive cybersecurity measures, online crime reporting capabilities, and the identification of digital risk areas. Ebba represents an innovative fusion of human expertise and AI, dedicated to providing guidance and support teenagers in addressing online offenses and digital threats.

Defining Safety in Both Online and Physical Realms

“Just me and solitude, me and all these people do the same thing. I’m not special, why would anything happen to me?”

In this activity, participants engage in a holistic exploration of their perceptions of safety. They begin by selecting a persona image that
aligns with their self-identity, followed by choosing visual representations of how they visualize safety. Through open discussion, participants unpack the reasons behind their selections, delving into the emotional and cognitive dimensions of their safety concept. To further convey their feelings, they are provided with physical materials to create tactile representations, facilitating a multi-sensory approach to articulating their nuanced understanding of safety.

Cova.os - Modes

Cova.os is an integrated operating service powered by advanced AI technologies, offering proactive cybersecurity measures, online crime reporting capabilities, and the identification of digital risk areas. Ebba represents an innovative fusion of human expertise and AI, dedicated to providing guidance and support teenagers in addressing online offenses and digital threats.

Scenario

1. Erik receives an inappropriate image from a classmate.

2. Cova AI immediately blurs the image and sends Erik
an alert, informing him that the content is not appropriate.

3. Erik is given two options:

- Chat with ‘ebba’ for guidance.
‍- Report the incident.

4. Erik chooses to chat with ‘ebba’ for help.

5. ‘ebba’ offers Erik guidance and support, helping him understand
the situation step by step

Features

Cova.os is an integrated operating service powered by advanced AI technologies, offering proactive cybersecurity measures, online crime reporting capabilities, and the identification of digital risk areas. Ebba represents an innovative fusion of human expertise and AI, dedicated to providing guidance and support teenagers in addressing online offenses and digital threats.

Scenario

When facing online threats or issues, Erik can reach out to Ebba for help. Through Ebba, he can:

1. Report crimes or threats directly to local authorities by sharing evidence

2. Connect with Cova Companions—a support network of registered members like teachers, friends, and family within Cova's online community.

These Cova Companions provide Erik with guidance and support every step of the way.

Features

Cova.os is an integrated operating service powered by advanced AI technologies, offering proactive cybersecurity measures, online crime reporting capabilities, and the identification of digital risk areas. Ebba represents an innovative fusion of human expertise and AI, dedicated to providing guidance and support teenagers in addressing online offenses and digital threats.

Reaction Reflections: Understanding Digital Emotions

Participants are presented with trigger images containing various social media posts, comments, or tweets. They are equipped with three colored stickers: green for liking, blue for a neutral response, and red for discomfort or dislike. The objective is to understand the emotional impact of these images on the participants. Additionally, participants are encouraged to provide comments alongside their chosen stickers, offering valuable insights into their feelings and perceptions related to the content. This activity aims to uncover the nuanced reactions and thoughts generated by the presented social media material.

Cova.os - Modes

This design system includes two distinct modes—Equator and Arctic—each offering unique features tailored to create a safer digital environment for young users. The Equator mode provides a balanced level of guidance and protection, allowing users to explore while still benefiting from safeguards. In contrast, Arctic mode offers a higher level of independence, encouraging responsible digital behavior with a more hands-off approach. Together, these modes adapt to different needs, ensuring young individuals can navigate the digital world safely as they grow in confidence and understanding.

Scenario

1. Erik receives an inappropriate image from a classmate.

2. Cova AI immediately blurs the image and sends Erik
an alert, informing him that the content is not appropriate.

3. Erik is given two options:

- Chat with ‘ebba’ for guidance.
‍- Report the incident.

4. Erik chooses to chat with ‘ebba’ for help.

5. ‘ebba’ offers Erik guidance and support, helping him understand
the situation step by step

Features

Cova.os is built with features to create a safe and supportive digital environment for young users. Its AI provides comfort and reassurance if they encounter a digital threat, guiding them through the steps to report the incident to the police or reach out to trusted individuals. Below, I've outlined exactly how this system works to ensure their safety and peace of mind.

Scenario

When facing online threats or issues, Erik can reach out to Ebba for help. Through Ebba, he can:

1. Report crimes or threats directly to local authorities by sharing evidence

2. Connect with Cova Companions—a support network of registered members like teachers, friends, and family within Cova's online community.

These Cova Companions provide Erik with guidance and support every step of the way.

Features

Cova.os is an integrated operating service powered by advanced AI technologies, offering proactive cybersecurity measures, online crime reporting capabilities, and the identification of digital risk areas. Ebba represents an innovative fusion of human expertise and AI, dedicated to providing guidance and support teenagers in addressing online offenses and digital threats.

Defining Safety in Both Online and Physical Realms

“Just me and solitude, me and all these people do the same thing. I’m not special, why would anything happen to me?”

In this activity, participants engage in a holistic exploration of their perceptions of safety. They begin by selecting a persona image that
aligns with their self-identity, followed by choosing visual representations of how they visualize safety. Through open discussion, participants unpack the reasons behind their selections, delving into the emotional and cognitive dimensions of their safety concept. To further convey their feelings, they are provided with physical materials to create tactile representations, facilitating a multi-sensory approach to articulating their nuanced understanding of safety.

Cova.os - Modes

Cova.os is an integrated operating service powered by advanced AI technologies, offering proactive cybersecurity measures, online crime reporting capabilities, and the identification of digital risk areas. Ebba represents an innovative fusion of human expertise and AI, dedicated to providing guidance and support teenagers in addressing online offenses and digital threats.

Scenario

1. Erik receives an inappropriate image from a classmate.

2. Cova AI immediately blurs the image and sends Erik
an alert, informing him that the content is not appropriate.

3. Erik is given two options:

- Chat with ‘ebba’ for guidance.
‍- Report the incident.

4. Erik chooses to chat with ‘ebba’ for help.

5. ‘ebba’ offers Erik guidance and support, helping him understand
the situation step by step

Features

Cova.os is an integrated operating service powered by advanced AI technologies, offering proactive cybersecurity measures, online crime reporting capabilities, and the identification of digital risk areas. Ebba represents an innovative fusion of human expertise and AI, dedicated to providing guidance and support teenagers in addressing online offenses and digital threats.

Scenario

When facing online threats or issues, Erik can reach out to Ebba for help. Through Ebba, he can:

1. Report crimes or threats directly to local authorities by sharing evidence

2. Connect with Cova Companions—a support network of registered members like teachers, friends, and family within Cova's online community.

These Cova Companions provide Erik with guidance and support every step of the way.

Features

Cova.os is an integrated operating service powered by advanced AI technologies, offering proactive cybersecurity measures, online crime reporting capabilities, and the identification of digital risk areas. Ebba represents an innovative fusion of human expertise and AI, dedicated to providing guidance and support teenagers in addressing online offenses and digital threats.

Reaction Reflections: Understanding Digital Emotions

Participants are presented with trigger images containing various social media posts, comments, or tweets. They are equipped with three colored stickers: green for liking, blue for a neutral response, and red for discomfort or dislike. The objective is to understand the emotional impact of these images on the participants. Additionally, participants are encouraged to provide comments alongside their chosen stickers, offering valuable insights into their feelings and perceptions related to the content. This activity aims to uncover the nuanced reactions and thoughts generated by the presented social media material.

Cova.os - Modes

This design system includes two distinct modes—Equator and Arctic—each offering unique features tailored to create a safer digital environment for young users. The Equator mode provides a balanced level of guidance and protection, allowing users to explore while still benefiting from safeguards. In contrast, Arctic mode offers a higher level of independence, encouraging responsible digital behavior with a more hands-off approach. Together, these modes adapt to different needs, ensuring young individuals can navigate the digital world safely as they grow in confidence and understanding.

Scenario

1. Erik receives an inappropriate image from a classmate.

2. Cova AI immediately blurs the image and sends Erik
an alert, informing him that the content is not appropriate.

3. Erik is given two options:

- Chat with ‘ebba’ for guidance.
‍- Report the incident.

4. Erik chooses to chat with ‘ebba’ for help.

5. ‘ebba’ offers Erik guidance and support, helping him understand
the situation step by step

Features

Cova.os is an integrated operating service powered by advanced AI technologies, offering proactive cybersecurity measures, online crime reporting capabilities, and the identification of digital risk areas. Ebba represents an innovative fusion of human expertise and AI, dedicated to providing guidance and support teenagers in addressing online offenses and digital threats.

Scenario

When facing online threats or issues, Erik can reach out to Ebba for help. Through Ebba, he can:

1. Report crimes or threats directly to local authorities by sharing evidence

2. Connect with Cova Companions—a support network of registered members like teachers, friends, and family within Cova's online community.

These Cova Companions provide Erik with guidance and support every step of the way.

Features

Cova.os is an integrated operating service powered by advanced AI technologies, offering proactive cybersecurity measures, online crime reporting capabilities, and the identification of digital risk areas. Ebba represents an innovative fusion of human expertise and AI, dedicated to providing guidance and support teenagers in addressing online offenses and digital threats.