One of the buzz words these days is “infographics”. While these can range from just simple pie graphs to complex flowcharts, the best aren’t necessary the most “designed”. The most effective information graphics are ones that can communicate an idea or story and that can help the audience turn information into knowledge. This also means … Continue reading Disaster graphics get bronze prize for international information design award
Tag: unisdr
The “best kept secret in the UN” – Hopefully not anymore…
Almost three weeks ago to the day was my last day with UNISDR after a very prosperous and successful three and half years of work with a small yet important entity within the United Nations. The organization was hoping that I would continue, but I decided that it was time for a change and find … Continue reading The “best kept secret in the UN” – Hopefully not anymore…
Lacing up for people with disabilities
This year’s International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) was focused on how disasters affected people living with disabilities. As part of UNISDR’s Communications Unit, we’re responsible for defining the theme, messages, and getting people motivated to take part in the celebrations on 13 October. Even with this global focus, we normally organize something locally in … Continue reading Lacing up for people with disabilities
Disability is NOT inability – why Thunderclap it?
UNISDR’s Communications Unit in Geneva, a 5-person team that includes me, have been scratching its head for most of the last few months to see how we can generate interest in the 2013 International Day for Disaster Reduction, especially since it falls on a Sunday this year. While events celebrating IDDR are and have been … Continue reading Disability is NOT inability – why Thunderclap it?
Behind the scenes on the 2013 IDDR infographics
Tomorrow is October 13th. To most people, it’s just another day, but to those who believe in and work to reduce disaster risks, the 13th of October is the day to celebrate the International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR). This year the focus of IDDR is on some one billion people around the world who … Continue reading Behind the scenes on the 2013 IDDR infographics
Social networks, innovation, and marketing for disaster risk reduction
The above photo was taken at the exhibition space in Cern which has various displays explaining the the origins of the universe. It’s also a poignant question because it helps us: 1) understand where we’re from, and, importantly, 2) gives a starting point to know or define where we’re going. This was what twenty one … Continue reading Social networks, innovation, and marketing for disaster risk reduction
Density isn’t just another way to say you’re fat
What makes a city great is the people in it. And the more the merrier… because it helps economies grow, generate innovation and provides facilities that are difficult to access in less crowded places (think health, education, etc.). Don’t forget the cultural sights and sounds, like museums, restaurants, and movies! So what’s not to love? … Continue reading Density isn’t just another way to say you’re fat
2013 Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction
The Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (GAR) comes out every 2-years and is an assessment of global situation on reducing disaster risks and provides a comprehensive overview and analysis on key issues and what governments are doing to prevent disasters. GAR13 is the third edition of the report, entitled From Share Risk to … Continue reading 2013 Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction
Women and Girls: a visible force for resilience
The International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) takes place every year on October 13. Since 2011, the Day has been part of a 4-year concept to build up momentum to 2015, an important date for the United Nations – it’s not only the deadline of the Millennium Development Goals ends, but also when the 10-year … Continue reading Women and Girls: a visible force for resilience
Not just an update, but a redesign
The hugely popular infographic I designed for UNISDR on the impacts of disasters from 2000-2011 required a bit of an update. And with over 7,000 views already on Flickr, it was pretty straightforward to update it with new stats from CRED for 2012. But just updating the graphic wasn’t enough. There were some trials and … Continue reading Not just an update, but a redesign