Designing disaster information management systems 2.0: Connecting communities and responders

Information and supporting information systems is a key element in an effective emergency response. From creating situational awareness to informed decision making, information enables responders to optimize their decisions and operations. Today, with the increased availability of information technology around the globe, a new active player in the field of information management is emerging as communities are becoming increasingly active in the field of information gathering, analyzing and sharing. However, communities may have specific requirements and approaches to using information systems in crisis situations. Moreover, connecting information systems between communities and responder pose specific challenges due to the different information needs, capacities and incentives to use them. In this paper we build on the DERMIS premises and explore through a case study if and how these principles apply to inclusive information systems. We present the initial findings of this work of designing information systems involving both communities and formal responders.