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MicroUsability presents a user-centered crisis communication seminar for ASEAN officers.

MicroUsability participated in the 2-hr. seminar entitled "Paperless communication- potential of the Internet in a crisis situation" on 2nd September 2004 at the 4th ASEAN-COCI workshop on Information Management, held in Singapore from 29th Aug to 4th Sept 2004.

Twenty three officers from 10 ASEAN countries attended the seminar which highlighted how user-centered web design process can greatly enhance the quality of crisis communication. The focus of the seminar was the case study of the official SARS website of the Singapore Ministry of Health, which was designed based on consultation from MicroUsability during the SARS crisis in March 2003.

The participants also got an overview of how to unleash the full potential of the Internet during a crisis using tools such as interactive information graphics, intelligent linking of related information, and promoting user participation and feedback in order to share good information and prevent spreading of rumors.

Other concepts discussed included the role of the Internet vis-à-vis traditional media, user profiling and scenario building, content aggregation from various user touch-points, creating ready-to-publish 'shadow websites' in anticipation of the crisis, and how to modulate the website contents over the crisis life-cycle as user needs change.

The feedback received from the seminar participants was positive. Many senior information officers commented that after attending the seminar they realized how approaching crisis communication website design from users' perspective was unique and advantageous for all stakeholders.

MicroUsability believes this seminar has helped raise awareness about the advantages of the user-centered design process in the ASEAN region. This, in turn, could generate many consulting opportunities for the usability fraternity.

More about the event

The week-long workshop was designed to enable ASEAN officers to share best practices and learn new techniques in crisis communication. Organized by the PR Academy of the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MITA), Singapore, the workshop covered various aspects of crisis communication, including building national resilience and use of new media to enhance the effectiveness of crisis communication.

With new challenges emerging in the areas of public communications and public relations which are unique to ASEAN as a whole, the workshop provided a platform for ASEAN information managers to understand the unique perspectives of risk communication in the region and to build expertise in this area and help develop better coordination in managing common crises that may surface.

Mr. Mike Granatt, the former Director-General of the Government Information and Communication Service, and Head of Cabinet Office Civil Contingencies Secretariat, UK, was the Course Director. He was assisted by Mr. Ken Horner, consultant on disaster reduction, also from UK.

Please e-mail info@microusability.com for comments and feedback.