'esc1' is a product for the community potentially affected by natural disasters, specifically wildfires. Even though many communities around the earth are located in expanding potential hazard zones, the residents are barely prepared for breakout situations. Especially people who are used to computers and smartphones are very vulnerable to these disasters due to their dependency on radio transmissions. The risks to communities these days by wildfires are rising rapidly more than ever.

The project itself is raising the alarm to society about global warming. A decade ago, the needs of this project must be substantially less compared to now. The existence and development of this product will trigger people to think about the environmental transition and the new reality we live in. It will help communities to be informed and prepared.

The world has been witnessing and experiencing intensified wildfires. Caused mainly due to aging infrastructures and worsening global warming, the days of wildfire season extended, the intensity of fire rose, and the affected area expanded yearly. Most importantly, the number of temporary and permanent climate refugees causes by these disasters keeps increasing. When incidents happen, people lose their electrical power supply, internet connection, and mobility ability.

‘esc1’ is designed to help these temporary and permanent climate refugees. It is a first aid energy/communication kit designed to help these people. This device can allow people to use emergency energy when an incident happens. The users can distress light signals to rescue helicopters or firefighters utilizing the device. They can also collect additional solar energy and charge their personal devices.

From a business perspective, this project can be an anchor project for the emerging market related to preparation for climate change. It is an emerging market with sharply growing demand due to the radically transitioning temperature. Since global warming is affecting more regions worldwide and more days of our daily lives than before, the preparation products' role in households is getting critical. However, the supply is not meeting the needs, and there is no evident project to lead a new production trend. This project will impact the market as a sole product and as a trigger project that can bring up discussions about the subject and inspire other companies to join the design and products dealing with similar issues.

The first minimum viable product of 'esc1' was exhibited during SXSW Creative Industries Expo in March 2023. Currently, fundraising meetings with local companies are going on.

The user can transform 'esc1' into three different formations; microgrid, wearable device, and light signal transmitter. According to the sequence of events, a user can pack, move and unpack the product to accomplish the specific function of each stage.

Formation A - Microgrid

During daily life, users can install 'esc1' in an interior or exterior space, such as a balcony, terrace, or backyard, with sunlight and collect electricity using the solar photovoltaic energy system.

Formation B - Wearable Device

When a wildfire breaks out, users transform 'esc1' into a mobile form and move to a safe location. Considering the travel process of the users, 'esc1' has been made with a light aluminum structure in a cylindrical shape. The users can fold the wings and legs of 'esc1' into this cylinder.

Formation C - Light Signal Transmitter

When people arrive at the safe location far from the fire, they transform 'esc1' into a light signal transmitter form. High-visibility LED units on the six wings will help them send signs to the rescue. On top of that, the users can gather extra energy when the sun comes out. They can also charge their personal devices using this system.