The importance of adapting to users' needs and cultural diversity

First, when it comes to taking culture into account when designing technological tools related to disasters, it is of prior importance to know the users' needs. While at first EMSC (Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre) thought that improvements would be wanted in information speed or app usability, it turned out that users were more interested in safety. Based on this, users must be given the opportunity to express their needs, especially after a damaging earthquake. LastQuake also improved the safety check with the opportunity to add the GPS location thanks to users' suggestions. This further demonstrates that every tool should be adaptable in order to stay in tune with the user's needs and cultural diversity.

Cultural Factors: Open-mindedness, Access and use of infrastructure/services

Hazards: Natural hazards

Disaster Phases: Response

Types of Actors Concerned: Active citizens, NGOs, Non-active citizens

Recommendations:

• The use of new technologies (e.g. Bluetooth) can improve communication strategies in disaster management situations
• Use cultural factors to improve the effectiveness of disaster communication