Presenter: Jennifer Hanson
Authors: Jennifer Hanson
Faculty Advisor: Holly Murdock
Institution: Utah State University
Design for the Next Generation explores the intersection of design and security, investigating the possibility of using interior design to prevent and intercede human trafficking. Human trafficking is the fastest growing business in organized crime, however, the fight against human trafficking was not formally recognized in the U.S. until 2000 with the passage of The Trafficking Victims Protection Act. Phase one required a thorough inquiry of public information which uncovered inconsistencies in statistics. This led to an interview with an official at Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.) to verify public information, provide a deeper understanding of predator methodology, and confirm the appropriateness of the location for which I would proceed to implement my findings. The final phase is currently underway; designing the interior of an airport to assist in preventing and interceding in human trafficking. Research findings conclude that public transportation is an integral part of human trafficking, both prior to and during the exploitation. After predators have developed a relationship with the victim, in what is known as the “boyfriending” stage, a plane, bus, or train ticket is sent to the victim in order to travel to the predator under false pretenses where the exploitation will begin. Once trafficking is initiated, public transportation is used to move the victims from location to location. Flight attendants have been trained to spot signs of human trafficking; however, they do not always have the manpower to do so. In fact, many victims report employees refusing their call for help. Implementing new technology and intentionally space planning throughout the airport will improve efficacy because it will be more accessible, adaptable, and account for human error. Furthermore, anticipatory intelligence analyzes data and emerging patterns to determine signposts that signal a change in the complex problem set, allowing the design to evolve while human trafficking evolves.