What is accepted (or taken for granted as a normal gets shattered with global events and disasters. Some may aptly call it a wakeup call. However multiple warnings by scientists are ignored by policy makers, markets, and public. This is an inconvenient truth that remains suppressed as it comes in the way of different interest groups.
So, what starts as a "normal" state, soon turns into a global chaos as we see. And in-between it goes through multiple phases of human responses. Let us take them one by one.
Start of local infection where the virus strain is un-known or with a new mutation. Soon it spreads if cannot be controlled with medication into a local out-break. And world has time to act here. However, if local health infrastructure is not prepared and no action is taken to control it soon turns into a regional Epidemic. And if world is still in denial after this - it takes matter of days before it turns into a global pandemic as we saw.
In this cycle of understanding, scoping, accepting, and responding to a disaster like a pandemic, typically human mind goes through various stages of responses. First one being “dismissal”: It is not a big deal and will be under control soon. It is followed by public “denial”. It is response to shocking developments and disbelief. Conspiracy theories and alternative facts dominate the social discourse. And when things start to slip and “panic” response sets in. However, at this stage collective wisdom and human ingenuity comes into play. And leadership emerges to fight the challenge. Gradually control measures are established and are acted on. Finally, science helps to control the situation. However, this learning will be wasted if people and businesses go back to their old ways.
The disasters such as pandemic have root cause in human behavior, uncontrolled activity and disregard for the nature. And as such needs a human centered response and not just a technological and scientific solution. A measured assessment of systemic elements and their interdependencies need to be visualised and articulated with various players. That will help creation of community led response to the pandemic and disasters which will be far more sustainable and effective than a top-down policy.
reveal how the impending dangers (like climate crisis, where timelines are already drawn by the scientists) and making a preparedness plan. What is also needed is to assess impact of human activity on the planet ecosystem.
As design community we need enable understanding of these futures and design response that strikes balance between commercial, social, and environmental impact. Behaviour design and lead transformation efforts creating equity and collective response.
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