This research developed wordless instructions for constructing a wigwam, a traditional Native American shelter, to assist individuals across cultural and linguistic barriers. This visual methodology enables affected communities to use locally available materials and rapidly establish secure, temporary livable spaces. Each year, natural disasters, armed conflicts, and forced displacements leave millions without shelter. After earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and wars, the need for emergency shelters is urgent. Beyond protection from exposure, these shelters help prevent illness, injury, and further vulnerability to extreme conditions. Our study assessed the effectiveness of wordless instructions by providing a test group with visual guides to construct a wigwam. Results demonstrated that participants, even without prior construction experience, completed the shelter accurately and efficiently. This study concludes that wordless instructional design holds significant potential for emergency relief, offering a rapid, accessible, and adaptable solution in disaster-stricken areas where conventional aid may be delayed or unavailable.
