Kerrianne Morrison, Yee-Yin Choong, Shanee Dawkins, & Sandra Spickard Prettyman. (2021). Communication Technology Problems and Needs of Rural First Responders. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 817–834). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Although new technology may benefit rural first responders to help them serve their communities, to date little is known about what communication technology problems rural first responders most need addressed and what future technology they desire. To explore the context of use and communication technology problems and needs of rural first responders, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 63 rural first responders across four disciplines: Communications (Comm) Center & 9-1-1 Services, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Service, and Law Enforcement. Using qualitative data analysis, interview data were sorted into problems and needs categories. Rural first responders' greatest problems were with reliable coverage/connectivity, interoperability, implementation/information technology (IT) infrastructure, and physical ergonomics. Rural first responders' greatest need for new technology was to address their current problems, but they were interested in new technology that leverages real-time technology and location tracking. Implications for researchers and developers of public safety communication technology are discussed.
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Cecilia Hammar Wijkmark, & Ilona Heldal. (2020). Virtual and Live Simulation-Based Training for Incident Commanders. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 1154–1162). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Computer and virtual simulation-based training (CST) offer several benefits for emergency response and management preparedness. However, organizations responsible for training are often hesitant to use CST, based on cost and perceived lack of benefit when compared to live simulation training (LST). This paper investigates how CST can complement LST, and how it contributes to achieving the necessary learning objectives for level one fire and rescue service incident commanders (ICs). Data and examples come from an experimental study with students from different fire and rescue services trained in the role of the IC in LST and CST, in a similar scenario. Results show the cost and benefits of the CST implementation based on evaluations from learners, instructors and responsible managers. Participants had a positive attitude towards using virtual simulations, but the results also point to barriers regarding the suitable design of learning scenarios and implementation.
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Tilo Mentler. (2017). Applying Usability Engineering to Interactive Systems for Crisis and Disaster Management. In eds Aurélie Montarnal Matthieu Lauras Chihab Hanachi F. B. Tina Comes (Ed.), Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management (pp. 929–938). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: Crisis and disaster management are increasingly characterized by interactive systems intended to be valuable support for professionals and volunteers in preventing, preparing for, responding to and recovering from major incidents and accidents. Therefore, usability in terms of safe and efficient usage of computer-based solutions becomes a crucial factor for successful crisis and disaster management. In order to ensure usability, it has to be addressed systematically throughout any development process. In this paper, established engineering approaches to crisis and disaster management systems are summarized. Subsequently, resemblances (e.g. diversity of users and devices) and differences (e.g. scalability) between safety-critical contexts of medical device design and crisis management are outlined. Following this, recommendations for applying usability engineering processes to disaster management are derived from standards and guidelines according to medical device design (IEC 62366-1:2015, ISO 14971:2007). Particularly, relationships and interactions between usability engineering and risk managements measures (e.g. hazard-related use scenarios) are described.
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Marion Lara Tan, Raj Prasanna, Kristin Stock, Emma Hudson-Doyle, Graham Leonard, & David Johnston. (2019). Enhancing the usability of a disaster app: exploring the perspective of the public as users. In Z. Franco, J. J. González, & J. H. Canós (Eds.), Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management. Valencia, Spain: Iscram.
Abstract: Limited research has studied how citizens? perspectives as end-users can contribute to improving the usability of disaster apps. This study addresses this gap by exploring end-user insights with the use of a conceptual disaster app in the New Zealand (NZ) context. NZ has multiple public alerting authorities that have various technological options in delivering information to the population?s mobile devices; including social media platforms, apps, as well as the Emergency Mobile Alert system. However, during critical events, the multiplicity of information may become overwhelming. A disaster app, conceptualised in the NZ context, aims to aggregate, organise, and deliver information from official sources to the public. After the initial conceptual design, a usability inquiry was administered by interviewing members of the public. Partial results of the inquiry show that the public?s perspective has value; in the process of understanding the new user?s viewpoint, usability highlights and issues are identified.
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Ahmed Abdeltawab Abdelgawad, & Tina Comes. (2019). Evaluation Framework for the iTRACK Integrated System. In Z. Franco, J. J. González, & J. H. Canós (Eds.), Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management. Valencia, Spain: Iscram.
Abstract: Evaluation and testing are major steps in the development of any information system, particularly if it is to be used in high-risk contexts such as conflicts. While thus far there are various approaches for testing against technology requirements; usability or usefulness, there is a lack of a comprehensive evaluation framework that combines the three elements. The lack of such a framework and commonly agreed standards constitutes a barrier for innovation, and at the same time imposes risks to responders if the technology is introduced without proper testing. This paper aims to close this gap. Based on a reviewing of evaluation methods and measurement metrics, we design a comprehensive evaluation framework including common code quality testing metrics, usability testing methods, subjective usefulness questionnaires, and performance indicators. We demonstrate our approach by using the example of an integrated system for the safety and security of humanitarian missions, and we highlight how our approach allows measuring the system?s quality and usefulness.
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