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Improving the Usability of Near-Real-Time Earthquake Information for Equity-Focused Decision-Making Through Earthquake Scenario Exercises

Following an earthquake, near-real-time information provides valuable data on potential impacts like economic losses and fatalities to the public and decision-makers in the emergency management, humanitarian, finance, and other sectors. However, earthquake impact information is often designed without formal user input or a focus on socially vulnerable communities, resulting in information that is not necessarily suited for equity-focused disaster management decisions. In this research, we investigated user needs for equity-focused impact data. Following initial focus groups with a broad set of users from various sectors, we developed a mockup showing additional metrics of exposure and loss that highlight socially vulnerable populations in a way that addresses user needs. We then developed earthquake scenario exercises for a targeted group of users to gain feedback on the mockup through a usability testing workshop. Workshop participants included nine emergency managers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), the American Red Cross, and Innovative Emergency Management. Following qualitative analysis, workshop results revealed that equity-focused impact metrics have the potential to influence more equity-focused emergency management decision-making, incorporating equity-focused decision-making into scenario exercises can influence equity-focused emergency management decision-making, and user-centered design can be beneficial in hazard impact product development. For near-real-time impact information at the USGS, we have identified the need for more accessible visualizations and language. More broadly, this research highlights how a user-centered and equity-focused design process can create meaningful interactions with stakeholders who can ultimately use products to support vulnerable populations after future earthquakes.

Session: Creating Actionable Earthquake Information Products - II

Type: Oral

Room: Tikahtnu Ballroom C

Date: 5/1/2024

Presentation Time: 11:30 AM (local time)

Presenting Author: Marísa Macías

Student Presenter: No

Additional Authors