Potsdam Institute of Climate Impact Research – ISIpedia

In an era where climate change poses profound challenges to global stability, ISIpedia: the open climate-impacts encyclopedia, was conceived to empower a cadre of decision-makers, policy specialists, journalists, politicians, and researchers with essential, actionable insights. This innovative tool was developed as part of a collaborative initiative by ISIMIP, a joint project by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis. It was aimed at synthesizing a vast array of fragmented and diverse climate impact data into a comprehensive, accessible format. Our fundamental goal was to provide high-quality, comparable data across multiple climate impact indicators—ranging from health to extreme weather events—tailored to inform policies and strategies in real-time.

The design of the ISIpedia platform is rooted in a commitment to precision, scientific rigour, and user-centric innovation. It embodies our pursuit of clarity and efficiency through its 3-dimensional report configurator. This tool not only facilitates the synthesis of complex data into intelligible formats but also enhances user engagement through interactive, intuitive interfaces. We challenged conventional data presentation by enabling users to dynamically generate custom reports that integrate natural language processing with precise data visualization, thereby providing a seamless user experience while upholding scientific accuracy. A custom plotting library that allows for fluid transitions between line plots and geographic map views not only enriches the analytical experience but also fosters comparative analysis across different regions and scenarios.

Our approach was meticulously crafted to address the specific needs of our diverse audience. We employed interactive and dynamic prototypes developed in Axure, which underwent extensive user testing across various scenarios. This iterative design process, enriched by feedback loops, ensured that the platform remained adaptable and responsive to user input. To engage different stakeholders effectively, we balanced the use of scientific terminology with accessible design elements such as descriptive icons and high-contrast visuals for better readability.

As part of the continuous efforts to reflect the dynamic and evolving nature of climate data in ISIpedia, a brand update was recommended. The redesigned logo embodies a minimalist, line-based globe motif, which serves as a powerful visual metaphor for the global impact of climate change and the interconnectedness of data across different regions. This design choice aligned with the platform’s core mission of making climate projections comprehensible and accessible. The new color palette, featuring gradients that reflect varieties of areas and indicators, additionally symbolizes the diverse and ever-changing nature of climate conditions. This visual identity not only could enhances the brand’s communication but also reinforced its commitment to delivering precise and actionable climate insights in a visually engaging manner. Unfortunately, the project budget was not sufficient for the brand to undergo this change.