Critical to the development of the Fire Knowledge Network is user acceptance of the Networks web site. Based on extensive user research and analysis a prototype web site was developed for pilot testing by agency representatives during August 2007.

Over 100 people from fire and land management agencies across Australia and New Zealand participated in the user testing. Feedback has been extremely promising with users viewing the prototype as 'easy to use', 'easy to navigate' and 'representative of the type of information they would find valuable to access'.

Fire Knowledge Network Prototype Web Site Home Page

Report contains an outline of the feedback received from the pilot testing and was used to inform the final information architecture for the Network's web site. 

Based on feedback received we are now in the process of developing the technical specifications for the design and build of the web site. This work will be completed mid September and presented to the AFAC Chief Information Officer's Group for review.

Part of the development of the Fire Knowledge Network is to define the image of how we present the Network to the fire industry and wider community.

 In looking for a new image that conveys meaning and intent research from stakeholder consultations, presentations, surveys and focus groups was used to develop a definition for the Network as:

 “The Fire Knowledge Network is the focal point for fire knowledge that brings together leading national and international research. It strongly links this knowledge and research to practice to create and inclusive community for the exchange of information and experience”.

From this we are now in the process of creating a new logo and defining a name for the Network. During December stakeholder research consisting of qualitative and quantitative interviews was conducted to determine user views and preferences.  The outcomes of this research is currently being analysed with our new image to be communicated in early 2007

During November a series of User Needs Focus Groups were conducted with a range of potential end users across fire and land management agencies. Approximately 60 participants took part in sessions that were held either face-to-face or by phone, across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia and South Australia.

Analysis of these sessions is underway with the completed report due early January 2007. Initial high level analysis indicates users need:

·         Accessible, readable and understandable summaries of research

·         A good search engine

·         Access to ‘lessons learnt’

·         Ability to connect with ‘who’s who’ in the industry

·         Ability to locate information and research from within agencies

·         A collaborative environment for interacting with peers

·         Focus on access to Australian data (initially)

·         Use of a range of technologies to cater for differing audience (ie: pod casts, video, workshops, conference material etc)

A copy of the report will be made available this web site when it is available

As part of process in determining user needs for the Fire Knowledge Network an online information needs survey was conducted with fire and land management agencies during October 2006. Conducted as an ‘opt-in’ survey we achieved a 92.75% completion rate which is regarded as an excellent out-come for this type of survey (10% response is the minimum aim).

The results of this survey, along with the findings of a number of Focus Groups we have just completed will be analysed to give us a more detailed understanding of your information and knowledge needs, requirements and expectations from the Fire Knowledge Network. The key driver for this work is ensuring that the Network we develop directly benefits, supports and adds value to our target audience, the fire and land management agencies.

Click here to read a summary of the survey findings.

Of particular interest the survey found:

• Fire and land management agency personnel rely on, and value, colleagues and web sites as their main sources for information
• There is a need for support for professional networking – connecting colleagues, access to experts, networking with communities
• The need for convenient, accessible delivery of information focussed on research materials, accurate and timely access to data, use of email and websites as delivery mechanisms
• Access to case studies – both to inform practice and research, and as part of an evidence-based approach