Integration: A Universal Pictogram for Tsunami Disaster Prevention

Unifying Information for Effective Tsunami Countermeasures

Japan has experienced numerous devastating tsunamis triggered by earthquakes, yet there has been a lack of official arrival wave height and hazard maps for affected areas. Furthermore, the display of tsunami-related information varies across different local governments, leading to confusion and inefficiency. Integration seeks to create a standardized system where essential emergency information is readily available and easily understood on a daily basis.

What sets Integration apart is its comprehensive display of information crucial for tsunami disaster countermeasures. The pictogram allows individuals to check both the predicted wave height of an approaching tsunami and the height above sea level of their current location. Additionally, by scanning the QR code displayed alongside the pictogram, users can access the hazard map of the area, providing vital insights for evacuation planning.

The design of Integration was born out of a thorough examination of existing displays used by local governments. It was discovered that these displays only indicated the height above sea level, without including the maximum wave height of the tsunami. To ensure consistency, the color scheme of Integration aligns with the blue color used for road displays, as mandated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Integration offers flexibility in terms of size and display medium. It can be expressed on any printing or digital device, allowing for adaptation to various contexts. In Japan, it is recommended to write the pictogram on utility poles in a vertical and horizontal direction, with dimensions of approximately 300 mm.

Functionally, Integration provides users with crucial information in a simple and intuitive manner. By categorizing the maximum predicted tsunami wave height into three stages (1 meter or more, 3 meters or more, and 5 meters or more), individuals can quickly assess the risk level of their current location. The QR code, when scanned, grants access to the hazard map, enabling immediate identification of evacuation routes.

The development of Integration began in Tokyo in 2012 and subsequently entered the business design award sponsored by the city in 2013. Since then, efforts have been made to promote its adoption by various local governments across Japan.

This groundbreaking pictogram proposal stems from the realization that the linked display of predicted maximum wave height and hazard maps for tsunamis was an essential yet overlooked information tool. By condensing and presenting this information concisely, Integration empowers individuals to make informed decisions and take prompt action in the face of a tsunami threat.

Integration, designed by Noriaki Mori, has received widespread recognition for its ingenuity and impact. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2022 in the category of Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design. This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon designs that demonstrate exceptional creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.