Exploring usability and user-centered design through emergency management websites: advocating responsive web design

This study explores the usability of the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management's (DHSEM) website, applying theories of user experience design (UXD) to emphasize the importance of responsive web design in practice. By rhetorically analyzing the usability of their websites, such as FEMA and Ready at the national and local level, DHSEM becomes a model for the needs of future research and application of user centered design principles. Responsive web design within emergency management websites should be considered when first evaluating usability and user experience design because of the real-life implications of these interactions. By reviewing basic design principles on emergency management websites, this article further showcases the capabilities responsive web design, usability and user centered design in digital spaces.