FEMA PrepTalk: Visual + Effective Communication for Emergency Information

FEMA has posted a video recording of a PrepTalk by Claudine Jaenichen on the cognitive biases that impede one’s ability to make the right decision when confronted with an emergency. Authorities can help people make better decisions through carefully crafted messages, as she demonstrates with evacuation maps she designed to help people recall safe routes when confronted with an evacuation order. “This is about people, developing an improved cognitive map of their space,” Jaenichen said, ” and understanding the risk of where they’re living.” Jaenichen is an information designer specializing in the relationship between design and cognition. Her recent work in applied design research serves a precise communicative role for, or in, cognitive demanding events. FEMA has posted links to recent examples of her work to the PrepTalk page, including the TsunamiClear webpage and the Design Network for Emergency Management. Access the PrepTalk at FEMA.