A systematic framework for risk visualization in risk management and communication

Managing and communicating risks have become crucial tasks in today's economy and society. Visualization - through its numerous cognitive and communicative advantages - can play an important role in assessing and conveying risks. This article, thus, examines how (interactive) graphic representations, such as maps, charts, diagrams and visual metaphors, can be applied to risk management by reviewing current approaches and by providing a conceptual framework that is illustrated with several application examples. The article also provides a concise set of guidelines that can be used when visualizing risk to avoid the dangers inherent in graphic representations (such as distortion or manipulation), and concludes with an outlook on future developments in this field. The article's main implication for practice is to understand visualization, not as a static rendering of risk assessments or aggregations but as an important catalyst, for better risk communication to multiple stakeholders along the entire risk management cycle. Risk Management (2009) 11, 67-89. doi: 10.1057/rm.2009.4