Safe City

Safe City

Designing the statistics system and management of post-earthquake relief based on Gensai design and user-centered design

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Industrial Design Department,, School of Architecture and Environmental Design, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.
2 Industrial Design Department,, School of Architecture & Environmental Design, Iran University of Science & Technology (IUST), Tehran, Iran
3 Industrial Design Department, School of Architecture & Environmental Design, Iran University of Science & Technology (IUST), Tehran, Iran
Abstract
While it is impossible to prevent earthquakes from occurring, effective management of preparation, foreknowledge, and education is crucial in mitigating their adverse effects. This proactive approach, rooted in the principles of passive defense, emphasizes the importance of preparedness and strategic planning to reduce the potential impact of seismic events. Japan, a country renowned for its sophisticated and effective management of natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, provides valuable insights and methodologies that can be adapted and applied in other regions facing similar challenges. Central to this research is the Gensai model, an innovative framework that represents a significant advancement in earthquake preparedness, management during seismic events, and the subsequent recovery process. The Gensai model offers a comprehensive approach to improving how communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from earthquakes. It integrates various strategies and technologies designed to enhance resilience and streamline disaster response efforts. The study undertook an extensive review of various relief software products, intelligent systems, and peripheral tools related to earthquake management. This review was aimed at identifying effective technologies and practices that could be incorporated into the Gensai model. The focus was on evaluating the functionality and effectiveness of these products in supporting disaster relief operations. This included assessing how well these systems could assist in managing and coordinating response efforts during an earthquake. A key component of the research involved the development and evaluation of a user interface designed to improve the process of accident tracking and statistical management. The user interface was crafted to facilitate the collection, processing, and analysis of data related to accidents and incidents occurring during and after an earthquake. The goal was to create a tool that would simplify the management of large volumes of data, making it more accessible and actionable for users involved in disaster relief and recovery efforts. In addition to the pre-earthquake phase, the research also focused on post-earthquake analysis. This involved examining how users interacted with the application and assessing the hardware extensions necessary to support and expedite relief operations. Understanding user interactions and the requirements for hardware extensions was crucial for ensuring that the systems developed were practical, effective, and capable of meeting the demands of real-world disaster scenarios.
The research utilized a range of methodologies to gather comprehensive insights. Descriptive and applied research methods were employed, including surveys, ethnographic studies, and field methods. Surveys were used to collect quantitative data from users and stakeholders, providing valuable feedback on the effectiveness and usability of the tools and systems being studied. Ethnographic studies offered qualitative insights into user experiences and practices, helping to understand how the systems functioned in actual disaster situations. Field methods involved observing and analyzing the performance of the systems in real-world contexts, ensuring that the findings were grounded in practical experience. The information collected from these methodologies, combined with climate needs assessments and field studies, formed the basis for developing a prototype application. This prototype aimed to address the identified needs and challenges, incorporating the latest advancements in technology and user interface design. The prototype was then evaluated for user satisfaction, with a Likert-scale questionnaire used to measure various aspects of its performance. This evaluation was essential for understanding how well the application met the needs of its users and identifying areas for improvement.
The design of the intelligent system was a central focus of the research. Several factors were examined to ensure that the system was effective and user-friendly. These factors included: 1-“Value Levels of Main Components”: The research assessed the relative importance and contribution of different components within the system. This analysis helped to determine which elements were most critical to the system’s overall functionality and effectiveness. 2-“User-Friendliness Criteria”: The system was evaluated for its ease of use, ensuring that it was accessible to individuals with varying levels of expertise and experience. This included assessing how intuitive and straightforward the system was for users to navigate and operate. 3-“Quality of Graphic Interfaces”: The visual design of the system’s interfaces was scrutinized to ensure that they were clear, intuitive, and supportive of effective communication. High-quality graphic interfaces are essential for helping users understand and interact with the system efficiently. 4-“Emotional and Communicative Quality”: The emotional and communicative aspects of the system were considered, as these factors significantly impact user satisfaction and engagement. The system was evaluated for its ability to convey information in a way that was both informative and empathetic. 5-“Comprehensibility”: The research assessed how well users could understand and interpret the information provided by the system. Comprehensibility is crucial for ensuring that users can effectively utilize the system in high-pressure situations. 6-“Desirability of Graphic Elements”: The visual appeal of the system’s graphic elements was evaluated to ensure that the design was aesthetically pleasing and aligned with user preferences. A well-designed interface can enhance user satisfaction and engagement. Finally, based on the reviewed criteria and feedback analysis in the prototype, the user interface of the EMDADI App moved towards ease of use and higher sensory interaction. The use of colors with a cold theme and design in a completely flat style with small curves gives the user sensory control. Also, by providing the application before the accident and changing the process of recording information in the shortest possible time, a more complete database was obtained and also accelerated the process of providing aid. The complete aid kit was also designed and completed with a complete approach to improving performance and considering all accident victims with different physical conditions. In general, with the integration of Gensai technology and method, evaluation of user needs and full focus on user-centered design, completely different benchmarking was done based on Iran's platform. Flexible and comprehensive design for crisis management during and after the accident by means of the EMDADI application, causes more preparation in dealing with accidents and correcting the weaknesses of relief and management deficiencies in relief as much as possible.
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