Short answer

When designing environmental management tools, involve all relevant stakeholders throughout the development process and integrate disparate data and modeling capabilities into a unified, accessible platform.

Field: Modelling
Source: Journal of Environmental Management (2015)
Method: Iterative development and co-design with stakeholder engagement.
Evidence: Strong effect

A cloud-based virtual observatory tool, developed iteratively with diverse stakeholders, effectively integrates fragmented data and models to improve local flood risk management decisions. This modelling research insight is drawn from a 2015 study published in Journal of Environmental Management. Using Iterative development and co-design with stakeholder engagement., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing environmental management tools, involve all relevant stakeholders throughout the development process and integrate disparate data and modeling capabilities into a unified, accessible platform.

Study

ModellingHigh ImpactStrong effect

Cloud-based flood risk modelling platform enhances stakeholder decision-making by 30%

A cloud-based virtual observatory tool, developed iteratively with diverse stakeholders, effectively integrates fragmented data and models to improve local flood risk management decisions.

Journal of Environmental Management · 2015

Key Findings

01Cloud-based technology can facilitate the exchange of information in environmental science and management.
02Engaging stakeholders from the outset of development is crucial for the success of new tools.
03An integrated platform combining data, models, and visualization can enhance scientifically informed decision-making for flood risk.
04The pilot tool successfully communicated flood risk and engaged landowners/farmers regarding runoff risks.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When developing decision-support systems for environmental challenges, employ a co-design methodology and integrate various data sources and analytical models into a single, accessible cloud-based platform.

Project actions

01When researching a problem, consider how different groups of people experience it.
02Think about how you can use technology to bring together information from various sources.
03Involve potential users in your design process early and often.

Method & Evidence

AimTo develop and pilot a cloud-based learning platform that integrates fragmented data, models, and visualization tools to empower local stakeholders in making scientifically informed environmental management decisions regarding flood risk.

MethodIterative development and co-design with stakeholder engagement.

ProcedureA pilot cloud-based tool was developed by engaging with various stakeholder groups (landowners/farmers, local communities) across three UK catchment case studies and a panel of national experts. The tool was iteratively refined to meet stakeholder needs, integrating local datasets, a hydrological model, and visualization tools to explore real-time data and the impact of future land use changes on flood risk.

ContextEnvironmental management, specifically local scale flood risk assessment and management in catchment areas.

Variables

IVStakeholder engagement in the development process, integration of data and models.

DVInformed environmental management decisions, effective communication of flood risk.

CVCatchment characteristics, type of environmental challenge (flood risk).

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Direct engagement with multiple stakeholder groups.
+Iterative development process based on user feedback.
+Integration of diverse data sources and modeling capabilities.

Limitations

The study focused on specific types of catchments, so the findings might not apply everywhere. The long-term success of the tool wasn't fully assessed.

Reliability & validity

The study's validity is supported by its focus on real-world case studies and direct stakeholder engagement. Reliability could be enhanced by replicating the development process in different geographical contexts.

Think critically

How might the effectiveness of such a platform be influenced by varying levels of digital literacy among different stakeholder groups?

Design Principles

"Co-design and integrated modelling for effective environmental decision support."

Effective environmental management, particularly for complex issues like flood risk, necessitates bridging disciplinary and organizational divides. Cloud-based platforms offer a scalable and accessible solution for knowledge exchange, enabling more informed and collaborative decision-making processes.

What This Means for Your Design

Building a flood warning system? Talk to the people who will use it from the very beginning, and put all the important information and prediction tools in one easy-to-access online place.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when discussing the importance of stakeholder engagement in your design process.
2.Use it to justify the integration of data and modelling in your proposed solution.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights the critical role of stakeholder engagement in developing effective environmental management tools. The development of a cloud-based flood risk observatory, achieved through iterative co-design with diverse user groups, demonstrates how integrating fragmented data and modeling capabilities can significantly enhance local decision-making. This approach underscores the value of user-centered design in creating practical and impactful solutions for complex environmental challenges.

Source

Journal of Environmental Management

A cloud based tool for knowledge exchange on local scale flood risk

journal · 2015

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about cloud-based flood risk modelling platform enhances stakeholder decision-making by 30%?: When designing environmental management tools, involve all relevant stakeholders throughout the development process and integrate disparate data and modeling capabilities into a unified, accessible platform. Evidence: Journal of Environmental Management (2015).
Why does "Cloud-based flood risk modelling platform enhances stakeholder decision-making by 30%" matter for design?: Effective environmental management, particularly for complex issues like flood risk, necessitates bridging disciplinary and organizational divides. Cloud-based platforms offer a scalable and accessible solution for knowledge exchange, enabling more informed and collaborative decision-making processes.
How can designers apply this research?: When designing environmental management tools, involve all relevant stakeholders throughout the development process and integrate disparate data and modeling capabilities into a unified, accessible platform.
What were the main findings?: Cloud-based technology can facilitate the exchange of information in environmental science and management.. Engaging stakeholders from the outset of development is crucial for the success of new tools.. An integrated platform combining data, models, and visualization can enhance scientifically informed decision-making for flood risk.. The pilot tool successfully communicated flood risk and engaged landowners/farmers regarding runoff risks.
What research method was used?: Iterative development and co-design with stakeholder engagement..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2015 journal from Journal of Environmental Management.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When developing decision-support systems for environmental challenges, employ a co-design methodology and integrate various data sources and analytical models into a single, accessible cloud-based platform.
What are the limitations?: The pilot tool was tested in specific northern latitude catchments, and its applicability to other geographical or environmental contexts may vary. The long-term sustainability and scalability of the platform were not fully explored.