Creating critical redundancy in community weather warnings: A proof-of-concept multimedia prototype

Abstract

There is a need for technology to safety net communities and create redundancy in the event of critical infrastructure failure during flooding events in the New York City metropolitan area. This study utilizes participation from those affected by flooding to inform the development of a proof-of-concept multimedia flood warning device capable of working without internet. Using a bottom-up approach through semi-structured interviews, with questions based on social representation theory and value-sensitive design, alongside thematic analysis of the interviews, the results suggest a wide range of experiences and concerns which ultimately influenced the design choices of the prototype. This study aims to contribute to the broader understanding of flooding in the New York City metropolitan area, create a social science-informed approach using participatory research, and to offer a potential solution to a gap in existing infrastructure.