Towards more effective visualisations in climate services: good practices and recommendations

Abstract Visualisations are often the entry point to information that supports stakeholders’ decision- and policy-making processes. Visual displays can employ either static, dynamic or interactive formats as well various types of representations visual encodings, which differently affect attention, recognition working memory users. Despite being well-suited for expert audiences, current climate data visualisations need be further improved make communication more inclusive broader including people with disabilities. However, lack evidence-based guidelines tools makes creation accessible challenging, potentially leading misunderstanding misuse by Taking stock visualisation challenges identified in a workshop service providers, we review good practices commonly applied other visualisation-related disciplines strongly based on users’ needs could services context. We show how lessons learned fields user experience, visualisation, graphic design psychology useful recommendations development effective visualisations. This includes applying user-centred approach, using interaction suitable way visualisations, paying attention architecture selecting right type representation encoding. The proposed here help providers reduce cognitive load improve their overall experience when service. These next generation services, increasing usability while ensuring components do not leave anyone behind.