Responsive Data Visualization: the National Weather Service and the Representation of Risk

This presentation advocates responsive data visualization design in risk communication practices by applying principles of information design [1] to the National Weather Service's online weather maps. Citizens are consuming information via smartphones at an increasing rate, with 12% of Americans using these types of devices as their only source for web content [2]. Research shows that users read texts on a computer screen differently than a printed document [3], making the need for readable information and design prevalent for user experience and experience architecture. Data visualization continues to influence users through their design and display of content. Modern development strategies allow for visualization based on proximity, as seen in location maps for natural disasters [4]. Often invisible to the user, design choices create structures of power between agent and agency, leaving citizens vulnerable to manipulation of data. Risk management organizations have strong obligations to the public to ensure these visualizations are reliable, clear, and reflective of audience needs. The concept of Responsive Web Design was introduced around 2010 [5], but the adaptation in technical communication has been a slow process. Perhaps the resistance is because of the perceived complexity of responsive coding, or that readability is an invisible problem. What is even slower, it appears, is the consideration of how data visualizations appear on mobile devices, even when the main design is responsive. Regardless of the reasons for the slow adoption of responsive design, practices need to be altered to make communication easier for the user to follow and understand in times of emergency. Scholars have depicted how advancements in technology altered the process and responsibilities of technical communicator [6-7]. With technology providing the means for users to have access to technical information within seconds, it is essential that technical communicators be able to predict the needs and adaptations from online accessibility. By assessing the National Weather Service's web design through accessibility checks such as responsive design, this presentation is able to showcase the capabilities of data visualization and risk communication in digital spaces. With the mission of the National Weather Service being to "provide weather, water, and climate data, forecasts and warnings for the protection of life and property and enhancement of the national economy," the ability to access online information across device platforms is crucial to achieve this government agency's goals. This presentation promotes the reassessment of online data visualizations based on their usability in terms of design and responsiveness to device-specific formats, particularly in the genre of risk management organizations. It is the responsibility of these organizations to maintain web standards across online platforms.