#Typhoon, a natural disaster information system
a natural disaster information system for user safety amidst the serious climate crisis.
The product
Naver Weather
My role
Product Designer
Responsibilities
UX/UI Design
Project duration
Jul - Oct. 2021
The problem
In 2020, South Korea faced severe climate change impacts, including multiple powerful typhoons and the longest rainy season in 115 years. The rising sea surface temperatures increased atmospheric moisture, triggering stronger typhoons and heavy rainfall, which had significant socioeconomic impacts on the country.
The goal
Our weather feature empowered users to independently understand disaster information and engage in sharing real-time weather reports based on their location, improving emergency communication and community safety. Success was measured by increased timely and accurate user-generated reports.
Interactive real-time weather system powered by collective user intelligence
Given the nature of portal services, a cycled system was needed to integrate search results and service synergy. Our product aimed to provide accurate real-time information and encourage user participation, leveraging their collective intelligence.
The Problem
My research on South Korea's natural disasters found that 95% of typhoons and heavy rains occur between August and October, with damage worsening due to climate change and urbanization. Analysis of NAVER's keyword queries showed high demand for weather-related information during these months.
95%
Typhoons & Heavy rains
95% of South Korea's natural disasters in the last 5 years were typhoons and heavy rains.
27%
Weather-related search keywords
27% of the top 30 searched keywords are weather-related, with 'weather' leading at 287.5 M searches.
45.6m
Weather info search volume
Information on natural disasters is in high demand, with 45.6 M searches.
Lack of disaster information
Clicking the weather alert banner in the existing service leads to disaster search results, but insufficient information causes user drop-off. During disasters, the provided information doesn’t meet the demand, highlighting the need for stronger information solutions.
Archetypal Modes
Due to severe mid-pandemic restrictions, User Interviews were impossible. Despite these challenges, I strategically highlighted the core features of this project through Archetype research.
I identified three key user archetypes and, based on their analysis and journey maps, developed a strategy for an interactive system that enables users to understand weather information and engage in real-time communication.
Age 40, Inventory Manager, In-person worker
Paul: The Sage
This archetype seeks real-time road condition updates for safe navigation of commute routes, aiming to make informed decisions.
Weather apps are crucial for my commute, helping me plan routes, avoid delays, and stay prepared.
Age 26, Journalist, Social media influencer
Skyler: The Caregiver
This archetype wants to utilize real-time communication to quickly inform those around them and influence their support network.
I believe the information shared by individuals can have a dramatic impact sometimes. It can also help people avoid danger.
Age 48, Sous Chef, Mother of two, Basement resident
Kriti: The Novice
This archetype lives in a vulnerable environment, concerned about natural disasters, emphasizing the need for reliable tech and information.
It all happened too fast. I felt so desperate, I couldn’t do anything.
How might we provide accurate weather information for users to understand in real-time?
Starting the design
Activate #Typhoon emergency openings, share real-time info via 'Report Chat', enhance response, and boost consumption with integrated search.
Refining the design
Activate #Typhoon emergency openings, share real-time info via 'Report Chat', enhance response, and boost consumption with integrated search.
In ReportChat, after the first release from August 23-24, 2021, with 19,771 comments over 14 hours, I noticed 62% of user reports mentioned regions. I added region-specific tabs, prioritized by report volume, and highlighted photo and video content.
Local names mentioned (12,160)
38%
No local names (7,611)
Takeaways
We achieved over 778 million page views and gathered 200,000 user reports, earning industry praise and setting a new standard for competitors. The system successfully expanded and effectively covered other disasters, enhancing community safety. This experience taught me the critical role of UX designers in public information and deeply ingrained the importance of ensuring crucial information is accessible and understandable. Our successful case study on NAVER CODE went viral and was featured in several news outlets.
