Priming next generation capabilities in multi-hazard public information and warnings

Photo: Natural Hazards Research Australia

Research theme

Situational awareness

Project type

Core research

Project status

Proposed

This project will address the knowledge and capability gaps in the optimal design of multi-hazard public information and warning system interfaces. The research will focus on usability, comprehension, and accessibility for all communities – including those from all generations, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability and those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Project details

This project concept has been developed by the AFAC National Public Information and Warnings Group. 

For emergency services across Australia, there is a critical need to evaluate and understand what effective coordination of information looks like at a community level. This understanding will support agencies in adapting current warning interfaces such as mobile applications to improve user experience, community outcomes and inform the development of national standards and future public information and warnings interfaces and capabilities.

This research will directly support the strategic direction of developing a national, all-hazard warning app, as recommended by the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements in 2020.

This research project will improve national capability for public information and warnings in various ways. It will:

enhance emergency agencies' understanding of their communities’ hazard and emergency communication needs, preferences and capabilities
improve and increase the reach of public information and warnings for all Australians so they can make timely and appropriate decisions to mitigate the impacts of hazards
inform the design and utilisation of warning systems through the development of principles, guidelines, standards or frameworks that can be integrated into or complement AIDR's Public Information and Warnings Handbook (AIDR 2020)
strengthen public trust in emergency agencies and their authority to issue public information and warnings

provide the evidence base and principles to inform the next generation of public information and warnings technology platforms, including mobile applications.

Participating organisations