Innovative Research Design – A Journey into the Information Typhoon

Disasters are often characterized by their sudden onset and complex nature. The need for innovative and trans-disciplinary research that starts from the practice of disaster response is uncontested. Yet, the realities of field research require a rework of research design and processes. In the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan that hit the Philippines in November 2013, a small team of researchers with different backgrounds came together in an innovative setting to investigate information management for decision support and sensemaking in the field. We combined the research in the field with remote support for logistics, communication and spot analyses. This letter describes our findings in working this setting, and discusses key methodological questions in the transformation of research from desk to field … and back.