Risikobildes

Risikobildes is a term used in German-language risk communication to describe visual representations of risk information. In practice it refers to any graphic or dashboard that conveys the magnitude, probability, and distribution of risks across a system, sector, or geographic area. The concept encompasses risk maps, matrices, dashboards, and icon-based displays that translate quantitative or qualitative risk data into accessible visuals.

Common forms include risk maps showing geographic hazard distribution; risk matrices plotting likelihood against consequence; heat maps and scorecards; and interactive dashboards that track multiple indicators over time. Visual elements such as color, scale, and symbols are chosen to reflect severity, urgency, and priority.

Purpose: Risikobildes aim to support understanding, prioritization, and decision making by diverse audiences, from policymakers to corporate managers to the public. They facilitate comparisons across scenarios, time periods, or entities and help communicate risk reduction goals.

Limitations and considerations: Visualizations are simplifications and can distort perception if scales are inconsistent, legends unclear, or data outdated. Analysts should document data sources, uncertainty, and assumptions, and provide context to avoid misinterpretation or complacency. Ethical and privacy concerns can arise when displaying sensitive information.

Relation: Risikobildes intersects risk assessment, risk management, risk communication, and data visualization practices. Standards and practices vary by sector, but effective Risikobildes share clear legends, transparent data provenance, and alignment with decision-making workflows.