Enhancing the efficacy of instructing and adjusting information: An exploration of interactivity and vividness

Abstract

Instructing and adjusting information is required to protect stakeholders during a crisis. However, it is unwise to assume that people, especially young adults, automatically follow the information once it is provided. Using a 2 (interactivity: low [email] vs. high [mobile app]) × 2 (vividness: low [text‐only] vs. high [infographic]) between‐subject lab experiment, this study found that infographics were effective in improving self‐efficacy, proxy efficacy, and trust in the organization. In addition, an interaction was observed between interactivity and vividness on participants' intention to follow instructing and adjusting information. The findings of this study provide evidence of the advantage of using infographics during a crisis.

Safe City: A Study of Channels for Public Warnings for Emergency Communication in Finland, Germany, and Greece

“…An important challenge is therefore to develop warning messages that are brief enough for people to be able to take in the information, but long enough to reduce milling, thus shortening warning response delays [40]. Zhou et al [41] found evidence of the advantage of using information graphics, i.e., different formats of data visualisation in crisis communication. For example, combinations of time-and action-related icons with hazard messages have been found to increase people's intentions to act in hazardous situations [42].…”