In disaster environments, relief workers have a have strong need for ad ho communication and coordination, but are in an extremely challenged communication environment. This presentation summarizes findings of a study of a peer-to-peer communication technology (Groove) used by relief workers following Katrina, and based on results makes design recommendations.

1. Observation of Katrina/Rita Groove Deployment: Addressing Social and Communication Challenges of Ephemeral Groups Shelly Farnham, Ph.D. ISCRAM 06

6. Waveland Beach

7. Hunkering down for Rita with JFMCC

10. Mobile Communication Units Cisco “ Cats and Dogs” on the Edge Set up WiFi at Pearlington Point of Distribution

11. Navy post graduate school presence At Hancock Medical Center Mobile Wi-fi Hotspot

13. Setting up communication at World Shelters

15. People finding Each Other

21. Groove Work groups contacts discussion File sharing notifications of new content data synchronization meetings

22. Alerts