STORY PREVIEW

2023

City Sound-Silence

ODTU GV ÖZEL İLKOKULU

Ankara

MENTOR

NİHAL ÇAKMAK

Step 1 FEEL

List the challenges or problems in your surroundings (school,neighbourhood etc.) that bothered you.

We noticed that unnecessary horn honking creates significant noise pollution, disrupting daily life, increasing stress levels, and negatively affecting both people and animals.

State the problem chosen to work and why.

We decided to address the issue of excessive horn usage because it contributes to environmental noise pollution and impacts human health. Many drivers honk unnecessarily, often due to a lack of awareness or empathy, making this a widespread problem that needs a solution.

Who were the people affected by the problem? What were their primary concerns?

What were their primary concerns? The affected individuals include pedestrians, students, residents, and even animals. Their main concerns were the stress, distraction, and discomfort caused by loud horn sounds, which disturb concentration, relaxation, and overall well-being.

Step 2 IMAGINE

List ALL the different solutions you came up with.

We brainstormed various solutions to reduce unnecessary horn honking and minimize noise pollution. Some of our ideas included raising awareness through social campaigns, advocating for stricter regulations on horn usage, and implementing a smart echo system inside vehicles to discourage excessive honking.

Which solution from those listed above did you choose to implement and why?

We decided to develop the smart echo system, a technology-driven solution designed to make drivers uncomfortable inside their vehicles whenever they honk unnecessarily. This approach directly addresses the root cause of the problem—empathy deficiency—by making drivers more conscious of their honking habits. To bring our idea to life, we conducted surveys, collaborated with experts, and created a prototype using Arduino technology.

Step 3DO

Describe very briefly the process of implementing your solution(s).

We started by identifying the issue of unnecessary horn honking and its impact on people, animals, and the environment. To understand the root causes, we conducted surveys with drivers and pedestrians. After gathering insights, we collaborated with experts from METU Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department and participated in an Arduino workshop to develop our smart echo system prototype. Finally, we shared our project through social media, brochures, and discussions with automotive companies to expand its reach.

What was the result or impact of your project?

Our project raised awareness about noise pollution and encouraged more responsible horn usage among drivers. The smart echo system prototype demonstrated how technology can help reduce unnecessary honking, contributing to quieter and more peaceful cities. Additionally, our engagement with Ford Ar-Ge officials opened doors for potential real-world applications, ensuring the sustainability of our initiative.

How many people were impacted by your solution(s)?

1000

What did the impacted people have to say about your project? Provide 2 quotes or testimonials:

• “I never realized how much noise pollution affected my daily life until this project made me more aware. Now, I try to avoid honking unnecessarily.” (A driver) • “This initiative is a great step toward creating quieter and more peaceful cities. I hope it gets implemented on a larger scale!” ( Ford Ar-Ge official)

What challenges did you encounter while implementing your project, and how did you overcome them?

One challenge was convincing drivers to acknowledge the issue and participate in surveys. We overcame this by engaging them in meaningful conversations and explaining the impact of noise pollution. Another challenge was developing the smart echo system.

How long did it take to implement your solution?

MORE THAN 30 DAYS

Which global goals does your story align with?

Sustainable cities and communities

Please explain briefly why do you think so?

By addressing unnecessary horn honking, we contribute to Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting a quieter and more comfortable urban space. Additionally, reducing noise pollution supports Good Health and Well-being, as excessive noise can lead to stress, anxiety, and other health issues. Our initiative encourages responsible behavior among drivers, fostering a healthier and more considerate community.

Step 4 SHARE

How did you share your project with your school and community? Who did you share your project with? What was their response?

We promoted our project through our school's official social media channels and distributed brochures within the community and to automotive companies. The response was highly positive, with many individuals understanding the importance of reducing noise pollution and supporting our initiative. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

Approximately how many people did you share your story of change with?

More than 100

Briefly share your plan to sustain the impact of your project?

To keep our project impactful, we will work with automotive companies and local authorities to promote our smart echo system in vehicles. We will raise awareness through social media, brochures, and school programmes to encourage responsible horn use. Additionally, we will keep refining our prototype with experts to improve its effectiveness and increase its chances of real-world adoption.

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