Design for Emergency. A New Area of Development and Application

Abstract

This paper refers to the study of the processes related to the application of design to emergencies caused by disasters, starting from a reflection on the transformation of our society driven by the technological and digital revolution. The main purpose is not only the consideration of the evernew possibilities of using design in this field, but is mainly an exploration of its intrinsic ability to adapt, to find different solutions based on the variables that distinguish the various crises. The investigated areas are related to a Digital Support System platform for the operation of first responders during the emergency phases. In particular, this paper focuses on the role of design in a disaster scenario by considering a case study from a European H2020 Research. The emergency scenario is a very complex one, and design could contribute by becoming an interpreter of knowledge from different disciplines, implementing a synthesis that is essential for the purposes of the project.