Building user-driven climate adaptation products.

Abstract

Climate adaptation products have traditionally been developed using a supply-driven model reliant on available climate information, leading to usability gaps^1-4. To better meet user needs, the climate services field has recognized a need to shift towards a demand-driven model emphasizing co-production, that is, user-driven, scientifically informed products created through shared knowledge practices^1-5. However, co-production can be challenging, especially for researchers unfamiliar with the approach or for digital and software-based products with complex user needs^2,5-8. User-centred design, from the human-computer interaction field, offers a process that could complement co-production approaches to product development, yet its potential remains underexplored². Here we show how user-centred design can be integrated into, and strengthen, co-production approaches for building user-driven climate adaptation products. Through a systematic review of the co-production and user-centred design literature, we identify key processes, mechanisms and best practices for both approaches. Our findings offer practical guidance for researchers and propose an integrated approach for developing climate adaptation products that are useful, usable and used.