Enhancing Coastal Resilience:
A Case Study On Adaptive Resource Coordination and Data Integration
Over the past year, I have collaborated with the Center for SeaRise Solutions to enhance the deployment of coastal resilience strategies decision makers and local government officials within coastal communities. The Center for SeaRise solutions set out to develop an online resource that would aid in these efforts and could be deployed across North America. This iterative design process incorporated user-centered methodologies, starting with two focus group workshops aimed at identifying resource gaps within this field.
Initially, we conceptualized a digital community of practice, mapping out its potential functionality, user engagement strategies and resource availability. The digital community of practice was largely focused on delivering comprehensive data on local sea level rise and historical initiatives, as well as facilitating connections among professionals engaged in coastal resilience efforts. This prototype was introduced in a workshop to validate its utility and collect user feedback on desired features and interaction expectations.
Surprisingly, feedback from sea level rise and coastal resilience professionals in the Bay Area—who were already well-connected to one another—suggested a shift in focus. They highlighted an overarching need for better coordination across organizations and agencies rather than additional networking resources. Participants emphasized that redundant efforts were commonplace, and a more synergistic resource allocation could optimize the use of available funding and support. There was a consensus that effective responses to sea level challenges require inter-jurisdictional cooperation, which is currently hampered by existing governmental frameworks. Moreover, access to critical information was identified as a significant barrier in strategic decision-making.
In response, we pivoted from our initial concept to develop a tool that fosters organizational coordination and improves data accessibility for local decision-makers. We envisioned an AI-driven platform that integrates data and models in a user-friendly manner, supplemented by a regional advisory board composed of local experts to spearhead regional initiatives. This approach aims to empower officials to make informed decisions to better mitigate the impacts of rising sea levels and intensifying climate events.
When this revised concept was presented at another workshop in a different region, it received affirmative feedback, mirroring the need for enhanced coordination and data access. This session further refined the tool's specifications and the composition of the advisory board based on participant suggestions.
These initiatives are now progressing through a pilot phase in one region, with plans for broader implementation across North America. This project exemplifies the application of UX principles in environmental resilience, demonstrating the crucial role of user feedback in developing solutions that are both effective and contextually relevant.