An Activity Theory Analysis of Search & Rescue Collective Sensemaking and Planning Practices

Title of the Paper

An Activity Theory Analysis of Search & Rescue Collective Sensemaking and Planning Practices

Paper Information

• Subject Area: Human-Computer Interaction, Crisis Response, and Collaborative Information Systems Design
• Keywords: Search and Rescue, Training, Practice, Sensemaking, Planning, Maps, Activity Theory

Research Background and Issues

• Identified Problems or Challenges:

  1. Traditional SAR training methods, such as simulation exercises and classroom courses, lack realism, are costly, and involve risks.
  2. Limited application of information technology in current SAR operations negatively impacts collaboration and on-site operational capabilities.
  3. Existing research on disaster response has insufficiently explored collective sensemaking and planning, lacking in-depth investigation.

• Significance: SAR is a high-risk, complex, multidisciplinary collaborative activity, and its efficiency directly determines the success of life-saving efforts. Understanding information processing and communication in SAR not only enhances current response capabilities but also drives the design and application of related technologies.

• Research Motivation and Related Work:

  • SAR operations involve complex collaboration and situational understanding, yet there is a lack of detailed studies revealing the processes of collective sensemaking in SAR technologies and practices.
  • Using Activity Theory (AT) as a framework, the authors aim to analyze SAR information practices and propose design insights to guide the development of future mixed-reality and collaborative tools.

Solution

• Proposed Methods or Solutions:

  1. Use Activity Theory as an analytical framework to deconstruct the core components of SAR activities, such as subjects (responders), objectives (objects), community (support units), tools (mediators), rules, and division of labor.
  2. Collect and analyze five types of data sources (online training courses, SAR facility visits, interviews, surveys, document and artifact analysis) to comprehensively explore the use, recording, and communication of information in SAR.

• Innovations:

  • The first application of Activity Theory to study collective sensemaking and planning practices in SAR.
  • Combined practice and training to deeply analyze the tensions and contradictions between information recording and technological tools.
  • Proposed design and training improvement recommendations for multi-technology media (physical and digital maps) in disaster response.

• Key Techniques and Implementation Steps:

  1. Data Collection:
     • Enroll in SAR online courses, participate in demonstration training, and observe the use of SAR bases and related equipment.
     • Conduct semi-structured interviews and online surveys to capture the experiences of frontline practitioners.
     • Analyze collected documents and artifacts, such as maps, training materials, and GPS markers.
  2. Data Analysis:
     • Perform thematic analysis to identify patterns in information gathering, sensemaking, and collaborative planning.
     • Map the data onto the six elements of the AT framework (subjects, objectives, tools, rules, community, and division of labor).
     • Discuss internal tensions (e.g., differences in information needs between hot and cold zones) and contradictions arising from technology, rules, and community.

Research Findings

• Specific Findings:

  1. Identified fundamental SAR activities: sensemaking, planning, and task coordination.
  2. Developed an Activity Theory framework detailing the interactions among subjects, objectives, and tools in SAR practices.
  3. Proposed specific design insights for SAR system design and training optimization, including:
     • Integration of physical and digital maps.
     • Collaborative systems supporting individual and collective map annotations.
     • Integration and support for different layers and sources of information.
     • System designs adaptable to diverse rules, roles, and activity changes.

• Comparison with Existing Solutions and Advantages:

  • Unlike traditional research focused on command-and-control systems, this study emphasizes information flow, tension management, and the enhancement of practical operational capabilities in SAR activities.
  • Offers specific recommendations for emerging technologies (e.g., drones, mixed-reality tools).

• Experimental or Evaluation Results:

  • Qualitative results from surveys, interviews, and online courses reveal significant mismatches between current technologies and actual needs.
  • Analysis using the AT framework highlights the importance of media selection for operational efficiency and situational sensitivity.
  • Emphasizes starting with training to foster intergenerational communication and technology integration capabilities.

• Limitations and Future Directions:

  1. The sample is limited to the U.S., restricting the generalizability of findings.
  2. Data collection relies solely on simulations and retrospective methods, lacking direct observation of actual SAR operations.
  3. Future research should conduct practical testing of technologies such as mixed reality and drones, integrating design insights with specific applications.
  4. Calls for broader participation in research to enhance general-purpose technological support in disaster response.