The challenges of exploring local place as a context of use in the study of interactive risk visualizations: experience report

Abstract

This experience report shares the results of a user experience (UX) test on Climate Central's Risk Zone Map (riskfinder.org), a publicly-accessible, interactive sea level rise viewer. The report begins with a brief overview of the trends in risk communication and risk visualization, with particular emphasis on the concept of place. The report then outlines the design of the study and methods used: think-aloud protocol and tasks analysis through Usertesting.com's screencasting feature. Lastly, the report shares the findings of the study and discusses how they contribute to geographic place as a context of use worthy of exploration. The report ends with recommendations for UX research further exploring geographic place as a context of use.