Fido
Investigative Intelligence System
Fido
Investigative Intelligence System
Fido
Investigative Intelligence System
O V E R V I E W
O V E R V I E W
Fido is a smart pen paired with an intelligent analytics system, built to support law enforcement in the field. It captures handwritten notes in real time, digitizes them, and uses AI-driven tagging to surface key insights. Fido helps detectives focus on building intuition and solving cases—not managing paperwork.
Fido is an IoT-powered smart pen integrated with a SaaS-based Investigation Management System. Designed for law enforcement professionals—empowering them to focus on solving crimes rather than managing documentation.
M Y R O L E
M Y R O L E
Environmental Analysis, Analyzing Qualitative Data, Performing User Interviews, Developing Product Strategy and Architecture, Prototyping, IoT Ecosystem, Business Model, Usability Testing, Gathering Feedback, and Implementing Iterations.
Environmental Analysis, Analyzing Qualitative Data, Performing User Interviews, Developing Product Strategy and Architecture, Prototyping, IoT Ecosystem, Business Model, Usability Testing, Gathering Feedback, and Implementing Iterations.
I N D U S T R Y
I N D U S T R Y
SaaS-based Investigation Management System
SaaS-based Investigation Management System
D U R A T I O N
D U R A T I O N
March 2025
2 Months
March 2025
2 Months
T O O L S
T O O L S
T O O L S F O R T H O U G H T
T O O L S F O R T H O U G H T
What if detectives had a reliable companion to support their cognitive workload in the field?
What if detectives had a reliable companion to support their cognitive workload in the field?
Many investigative units operate under staff shortages and with limited access to modern tools, often forcing detectives to manage complex cases with minimal support. This tool was designed as a dependable assistant — helping manage notes and structure thoughts, offering insights and continuity throughout the investigation.
Many investigative units operate under staff shortages and with limited access to modern tools, often forcing detectives to manage complex cases with minimal support. This tool was designed as a dependable assistant — helping manage notes and structure thoughts, offering insights and continuity throughout the investigation.
Many investigative units operate under staff shortages and with limited access to modern tools, often forcing detectives to manage complex cases with minimal support. This tool was designed as a dependable assistant — helping manage notes and structure thoughts, offering insights and continuity throughout the investigation.
D E S I G N P R O C E S S
D E S I G N P R O C E S S
So we chose Agile to stay close to users
So we chose Agile to
stay close to users
So we chose Agile to stay close to users
U X R
First, we studied the current landscape
Through comprehensive analysis of market trends, industry metrics, and macroeconomic data, we uncovered key patterns affecting detectives’ workflows. These data-driven insights illuminate the challenges of technology integration and operational inefficiencies within law enforcement agencies.
And discovered
competitors were solving some other problems
And discovered
competitors were solving some other problems
U X R
"Most tools focus on mapping data, so we questioned what detectives really need."
" Most tools focus on mapping data, so we
questioned what detectives really need.”
U S E R J O U R N E Y
U S E R J O U R N E Y
This made us curious: how do they really work?
This made us curious:
how do they really work?
We mapped detectives’ workflows to spot dependencies, pain points, and opportunities for improvement.
We mapped detectives’ workflows to spot dependencies, pain points, and opportunities for improvement.
K E Y I N S I G H T S
After four weeks, four papers, four detectives
- here's what we found
The biggest pain point? Those early-stage investigations
The initial moments of a case are the most demanding — from documenting fast-evolving details to analyzing contradictory accounts. Detectives often rely on fragmented tools, increasing the risk of oversight when every second counts. Below are key challenges we uncovered in their early investigative workflow:
The initial moments of a case are the most demanding — from documenting fast-evolving details to analyzing contradictory accounts. Detectives often rely on fragmented tools, increasing the risk of oversight when every second counts. Below are key challenges we uncovered in their early investigative workflow:
Everything pointed to one truth:
The initial 48-Hours Window is Everything
The first 48 hours define a case. From contradicting statements to emotional cues, detectives need fast, structured insight — not scattered inputs. This window demands tools that think and connect as fast as they do.
O P P O R T U N I T Y A R E A
O P P O R T U N I T Y A R E A
Build a companion tool for detectives that integrates into their workflow during the critical first 48 hours—helping them manage multiple cases with ease while guiding their intuition to seamlessly pick up where they left off and build trust in the investigative process.
Build a companion tool for detectives that integrates into their workflow during the critical first 48 hours—helping them manage multiple cases with ease while guiding their intuition to seamlessly pick up where they left off and build trust in the investigative process.
I D E A T I O N
I D E A T I O N
So we brainstormed:
how do we create real value for them?
So we brainstormed:
how do we create real value?
The Value Proposition Canvas helped us understand how the proposed tool creates value for detectives by addressing their tasks, challenges, and desired outcomes.
The Value Proposition Canvas helped us understand how the proposed tool creates value for detectives by addressing their tasks, challenges, and desired outcomes.
P R O T O T Y P I N G
P R O T O T Y P I N G
We thought:
what if their everyday pen became their smartest partner?
We thought:
what if their everyday pen became their smartest partner?
A smart pen that digitizes notes in real time, preserving critical details, saving time, and letting detectives focus on the investigation instead of paperwork.
A smart pen that digitizes notes in real time, preserving critical details, saving time, and letting detectives focus on the investigation instead of paperwork.
We explored multiple concepts through sketching, iterating on different forms of the pen and charger. Throughout the process, we considered factors like portability, material, weight distribution, and efficiency.
We explored multiple concepts through sketching, iterating on different forms of the pen and charger. Throughout the process, we considered factors like portability, material, weight distribution, and efficiency.
65+ sketches across 30+ pages captured
our exploration of the pen’s design.
65+ sketches across 30+ pages captured
our exploration of the pen’s design.
We mapped the complete ecosystem
We mapped the complete ecosystem
(time constraints meant no hardware build)
(time constraints meant no hardware)
This workflow shows how the FIDO smart pen captures notes and audio, processes them on-device, uploads to the cloud, and uses AI to turn them into searchable, tagged insights on the investigation dashboard.
Get High-res Ecosystem Blueprint here.
This workflow shows how the FIDO smart pen captures notes and audio, processes them on-device, uploads to the cloud, and uses AI to turn them into searchable, tagged insights on the investigation dashboard.
Get High-res Ecosystem Blueprint here.
But we dove deep into how it'd actually work
But we dove deep into
how it'd actually work
W I R E F R A M E S
W I R E F R A M E S
Finally, we started with sketches, then
built mid-fidelity wireframes
Finally, we started with sketches, then built mid-fidelity wireframes
T E S T I N G
Next, we tested with four real detectives
We conducted unmoderated usability tests with detectives unfamiliar with the platform.
Here's what we learned from them
- Users prefer a clear and minimal UI to reduce cognitive load.
Note Folder names should reflect the date and a brief gist of the content within the note.
Tags should be easily visible, showing all associated tags across pages without extra clicks.
- Users struggled to find different notes quickly.
The meaning and purpose of Suspect Tag, was not immediately clear.
Files appeared under tags without a summary, forcing users to click on each file to verify its relevance.
- Users liked the initial homepage version, as it allowed them to see all information at a glance.
Users liked having multiple ways to view their files, such as map view and folder view.
Users had to strain to focus on details, making it hard to view individual sections clearly.
U X I M P R O V E M E N T S
So we redesigned based on their feedback
Home Page
The homepage tried to cover too many areas. As a result, users were unable to quickly access their digitized notes, consuming unnecessary time and effort and making them less efficient in their process.
I M P R O V E M E N T S
Homepage showed unnecessary project details instead of useful content.
Interface was cluttered with too many elements, lacking focus on core features.
Users had to navigate elsewhere to access their digitized notes.
Before
Before
After
After
Digitized Notes Page
We tested with four real detectives
and redesigned again
Tags were not clearly presented and relied entirely on hover interactions. Users had to figure out each tag on their own, increasing cognitive load and slowing down their workflow.
I M P R O V E M E N T S
Home Page
The homepage tried to cover too many areas. As a result, users were unable to quickly access their digitized notes, consuming unnecessary time and effort and making them less efficient in their process.
Tags were unclear and did not serve a clear or useful purpose.
There was no easy way to view all tags or see which tags were associated with notes.
There was no easy way to view all tags or see all associated tags with notes.
Quick actions like creating or assigning tags were unclear and difficult to use.
Homepage showed unnecessary project details.
Interface was cluttered with too many elements.
Users had to navigate elsewhere to access digitized notes.
U X I M P R O V E M E N T S
Before
Digitized Notes Page
Tags were not clearly presented and relied entirely on hover interactions. Users had to figure out each tag on their own, increasing cognitive load and slowing down their workflow.
Tags were unclear and did not serve a clear purpose.
There was no easy way to view all tags/see associated tags.
Quick actions like creating or assigning tags were unclear.
Before
We discovered three ways AI should work—immersive, assistive, and embedded
— so features match user goals without overwhelming them.
We discovered three ways AI should work—immersive, assistive, and embedded
— so features match user goals without overwhelming them.
Immersive (Main Workspace)
Full-note summary view for deep focus and case clarity.
Assistive (Right Tag Panel)
Quick access tag panel: context and actions without leaving the main view.
Embedded (Tag Interactions)
Interactive tags inline: context & options exactly where user engage.
Immersive (Main Workspace)
Full-note summary view for deep focus and case clarity.Assistive (Right Tag Panel)
Quick access tag panel: context and actions without leaving the main view.
Embedded (Tag Interactions)
Interactive tags inline: context & options exactly where user engage.
Immersive (Main Workspace)
Full-note summary view for deep focus and case clarity.Assistive (Right Tag Panel)
Quick access tag panel: context and actions without leaving the main view.
Embedded (Tag Interactions)
Interactive tags inline: context & options exactly where user engage.
R E S U L T S
R E S U L T S
Detectives called it a "game-changer"
Detectives called it a "game-changer"
Our post-survey results reflected strong confidence in the tool, highlighting its potential to support real-world detective work with clarity and ease of use.
Our post-survey results reflected strong confidence in the tool, highlighting its potential to support real-world detective work with clarity and ease of use.
F I N A L S O L U T I O N
F I N A L S O L U T I O N
Designed for Detection
Designed for Detection
It writes. It records. It learns.
Fido Pen captures handwritten notes and instantly converts them into digital records. Powered by NLP and machine learning, it identifies key information and applies smart tags automatically. During interrogations, its built-in mic records audio in real time—delivering transcriptions and insights—all seamlessly synced to the system.
It writes. It records. It learns.
Fido Pen captures handwritten notes and instantly converts them into digital records. Powered by NLP and machine learning, it identifies key information and applies smart tags automatically. During interrogations, its built-in mic records audio in real time—delivering transcriptions and insights—all seamlessly synced to the system.
Twist-to-Record Mic. Rotate the pen’s head clockwise to activate the built-in microphone for instant audio recording.
Twist-to-Record Mic.
Biometric Thumb Lock. Thumbprint sensor on barrel unlocks device, ensuring secure access for authorized user only.
Biometric Thumb Lock.
Multi-Function Charging Dock. A sloped magnetic dock snaps pen into place—doubling as a notepad clip and portable power bank.
Multi-Function Charging Dock.
Designed for the Field. A compact, versatile solution that keep the pen powered and ready wherever the investigation leads.
Designed for the Field.
S T O R Y B O A R D
S T O R Y B O A R D
Hold on—a quick peek at Fido in action
Hold on—a quick peek at Fido in action
C HA L L E N G E 1
C HA L L E N G E 1
How do we stop critical details from getting buried?
Smart Tags link notes
directly to evidence
How do we stop critical details from getting buried?
Smart Tags link notes
directly to evidence
Inspired by physical bookmarks
Inspired by physical bookmarks
This encourages active note-taking and creates visual cues for detectives.
Within digital notes, key details are identified and smart tags are applied automatically—organizing information into evidence, contradictions, relationships, and more. This streamlines case management and surfaces critical insights with minimal effort.
This encourages active note-taking and creates visual cues for detectives.
Within digital notes, key details are identified and smart tags are applied automatically—organizing information into evidence, contradictions, relationships, and more. This streamlines case management and surfaces critical insights with minimal effort.
Tags Types
Evidence Tag
Highlights key evidence mentioned in notes, linking it to case files incidents.
Relation Tag
Flags potential suspects referenced in the notes, providing quick access to their profiles and related case data.
Contradiction Tag
Identifies statements that conflict with verified data, offering direct links to supporting evidence.
Hypothesis Tag
Marks investigative theories, showing confidence levels and data sources that support or challenge them.
Create Tag
Users can create and assign their own tags for tailored investigations.
Smart Tags, Faster Clue Tracing
Select any line, right-click, and assign a tag—quick and intuitive.
The sidebar instantly surfaces detailed annotations, concise summary, and
relevant case files, transforming notes into actionable intelligence in real time.
Assign Tag
Create Tag
C HA L L E N G E 2
C HA L L E N G E 2
How do we capture investigations in real-time?
SmartPen transform Speech into investigative insights
How do we capture investigations in real-time?
SmartPen transform Speech into investigative insights
A mic that transforms investigative audio into insight.
Turning the mic head activates real-time audio capture. Each recording is transcribed and segmented into sections, complete with emotional tone mapping, contradiction detection, and concise summaries. Designed to support fast analysis and confident decision-making.
A mic that transforms investigative audio into insight.
Turning the mic head activates real-time audio capture. Each recording is transcribed and segmented into sections, complete with emotional tone mapping, contradiction detection, and concise summaries. Designed to support fast analysis and confident decision-making.
Emotional Mapping
Audio sections are analyzed to detect tones like anxiety or confidence — providing valuable context that helps interpret their statements beyond just words.
Contradiction
This feature flags inconsistencies by comparing audio statements with existing case data, highlighting contradictions that may require closer scrutiny or verification.
Related Files
Based on detected contradictions, the system recommends relevant files—videos, transcripts, or reports—saving time by directing attention to the most pertinent evidence.
Emotional Mapping
Audio sections are analyzed to detect tones like anxiety or confidence — providing valuable context that helps interpret their statements beyond just words.
Contradiction Detection
This feature flags inconsistencies by comparing audio statements with existing case data, highlighting contradictions that may require closer scrutiny or verification.
Related Files
Based on detected contradictions, the system recommends relevant files—videos, transcripts, or reports—saving time by directing attention to the most pertinent evidence.
C HA L L E N G E 3
C HA L L E N G E 3
How do we make report writing effortless?
AI handles report writing automatically
How do we make report writing effortless?
AI handles report writing automatically
Choose a format, type freely and let AI handles the rest. Case notes are converted into structured, courtroom-ready reports with selectable AI templates, ensuring consistency, clarity, and speed without manual effort.
Choose a format, type freely and let AI handles the rest. Case notes are converted into structured, courtroom-ready reports with selectable AI templates, ensuring consistency, clarity, and speed without manual effort.
C HA L L E N G E 4
C HA L L E N G E 4
How do we make sense of complex, scattered data?
Ask Fido anything
about your case
How do we make sense of complex, scattered data?
Ask Fido anything
about your case
Ask Fido AI anything about the selected note.
The AI responds with contextual insights—surfacing related files, clarifying connections, and helping you make sense of complex information.
Ask Fido AI anything about the selected note.
The AI responds with contextual insights—surfacing related files, clarifying connections, and helping you make sense of complex information.
But wait, how would this actually work as a business?
But wait, how would this actually work as a business?
A Business Model Canvas for Lasting Impact
A Business Model Canvas for Lasting Impact
D E S I G N S Y S T E M
D E S I G N S Y S T E M
To complete the picture, we developed
a scalable design foundation
To complete the picture, we developed a scalable design foundation
To complete the picture, we developed a scalable design foundation
We focused on minimal design and thoughtful use of whitespace to make every component—from typography to buttons—serve a clear purpose and improve usability. By pairing this with a scalable system, we’ve created cohesive, intuitive experiences that feel both simple and effective.
We focused on minimal design and thoughtful use of whitespace to make every component—from typography to buttons—serve a clear purpose and improve usability. By pairing this with a scalable system, we’ve created cohesive, intuitive experiences that feel both simple and effective.
We focused on minimal design and thoughtful use of whitespace to make every component—from typography to buttons—serve a clear purpose and improve usability. By pairing this with a scalable system, we’ve created cohesive, intuitive experiences that feel both simple and effective.
Reflection
Reflection
M O R E C A S E S T U D I E S
Let's build a better future together!
Say hi at hsbisht2402@gmail.com
Copyright © 2024 Hitesh Singh Bisht. All rights reserved.
Let's build a better future together!
Say hi at hsbisht2402@gmail.com
Copyright © 2024 Hitesh Singh Bisht. All rights reserved.
Let's build a better
future together!
Say hi at hsbisht@iu.edu
Copyright © 2024 Hitesh Singh Bisht. All rights reserved.
