User-centered design for disaster risk visualisation

This brief outlines key learning from the SHEAR programme to guide the development of usable and useful disaster risk visualisations. Visual communication can provide disaster risk managers with the information they need to prepare for and respond to crises. 

The effective communication of risk information plays a crucial role in connecting advances in hazard assessment science with improved preparedness for and response to hazards. The use of visualisations means that complex information can be conveyed to users efficiently and effectively. Disaster risk management contexts are highly complex, as are the end-users of disaster risk communication visualisations. Individual characteristics can greatly affect how a user interprets, perceives, and acts on the risk communicated by a disaster risk visualisation.