Troubled water: Enhancing flood preparedness with extended reality

Abstract

Effective mitigation of flood impacts depends not only on infrastructure but also on citizens’ preparedness. Despite ongoing efforts in risk communication and disaster education, protective behaviors remain limited, leading to avoidable damage and losses. Immersive technologies may offer new ways to strengthen flood preparedness education. In our study, ‘Troubled Water’, we present two prototypes designed to engage users with flood-related risks and protective actions. A first element allows users to interact with virtual objects to learn their relevance for protective behavior; a second allows them to experience rising water levels in their physical environment. Both elements are delivered via tablet-based Augmented Reality, with the water-level simulation also available in head-mounted Mixed Reality. In a study of 160 participants across four groups, object interaction enhanced coping appraisals; water-level simulation increased threat appraisals; and all immersive experiences raised intentions to prepare for flood events. These findings suggest that immersive technology can play a valuable role in advancing flood preparedness education.