OVERVIEW.
The Emergency Watchlist report is the International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) comprehensive assessment of the 20 countries at greatest risk of new humanitarian emergencies each year. This report is the result of an analytically rigorous process that utilizes 65 quantitative and qualitative variables, along with insights from the IRC’s extensive experience working in over 40 countries worldwide. The goal is to identify and rank the countries most at risk, guiding the IRC’s emergency preparedness efforts.
For the past decade, this report has been instrumental in helping the IRC focus its resources and efforts where they are needed most, successfully predicting 85-95% of the countries facing the worst deteriorations. Additionally, the report provides a detailed analysis of the evolving global humanitarian crisis, exploring the underlying causes and proposing measures to mitigate the impact on affected communities.
As the creative lead on this project, my role encompassed a range of responsibilities, including:
Data Visualization: Transforming complex data into clear, compelling visual representations. This involved creating charts, graphs, and infographics that effectively communicated the key findings and insights of the report to a diverse audience.
Report Design: Designing the layout and visual elements of the report to ensure it was both informative and visually engaging. This included selecting color schemes, typography, and imagery that aligned with the IRC’s brand and the report’s serious subject matter.
Content Strategy: Collaborating with analysts and writers to develop a cohesive narrative that highlighted the most critical aspects of the report. This involved structuring the content in a way that was logical, impactful, and accessible to readers.
Digital Presence: Enhancing the report’s digital accessibility by designing an interactive online version. This included creating a user-friendly interface, integrating multimedia elements, and ensuring the report was optimized for various devices and platforms.
Stakeholder Engagement: Working closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the report met the needs of its intended audience. This involved gathering feedback, making revisions, and presenting the final product to key decision-makers.
Through my creative direction and leadership, I aimed to make the Emergency Watchlist report not only a vital tool for the IRC but also an engaging and informative resource for the global community. The success of this project underscores the importance of combining analytical rigor with creative design to effectively communicate complex humanitarian issues.
