Archive page of posts in this category or categories:
Methods, Understanding methods
The following posts are in no particular order. They are purposely randomized.
Scenario development
RSI uses scenario development in strategic foresight, emergency planning, and risk prioritization projects. It co-develops scenarios with stakeholders or technical experts and tests their implications using simulation or facilitated discussion. RSI’s scenarios are decision-focused and designed to stimulate insight, dialogue, and preparedness in uncertain or rapidly changing contexts.
Read More Public messaging
RSI develops public messaging strategies that integrate science, storytelling, and behavioral insight. The firm supports message development, delivery channel optimization, and audience monitoring. RSI tailors its approach to the nature of the risk, whether environmental, health-related, or regulatory, and ensures coherence with institutional voice.
Read More Model calibration and validation
RSI applies calibration and validation techniques in its exposure models, public health forecasting tools, and environmental simulations. It uses historical datasets, expert benchmarks, and cross-validation to test performance. RSI balances precision with interpretability, ensuring clients understand both what models predict and how well those predictions reflect reality.
Read More Visualization of risk trade-offs
RSI develops risk trade-off visualizations to support policy dialogue, stakeholder negotiation, and public engagement. These tools make competing priorities—such as health, economic, and equity outcomes—visible and discussable. RSI ensures that trade-off communication is transparent, evidence-informed, and adaptable to both technical and public-facing settings.
Read More Media framing and public perception analysis
RSI conducts framing and sentiment analyses to assess how risk issues are being interpreted in the media and social media. It uses these insights to adjust messaging, engage with journalists, and prepare spokespersons. RSI’s analysis helps anticipate misperceptions and shape narratives toward informed public dialogue.
Read More Decision pathways under uncertainty
RSI develops decision pathways that combine scenario analysis, trigger points, and stakeholder expectations. Its tools help clients remain nimble while maintaining clarity about when and how decisions will shift. RSI ensures these pathways are supported by documentation, monitoring systems, and shared understanding.
Read More Data visualization and synthesis tools
RSI designs data visualizations that support both technical review and public communication. It integrates design principles with data integrity, translating uncertainty and probability into formats that facilitate insight and action. RSI also uses visual synthesis tools to convey the interrelationships between risks, policies, and outcomes.
Read More Application of decision criteria under uncertainty
RSI supports clients in selecting and applying decision criteria suited to their context and risk appetite. Its team facilitates structured decision-making processes, often involving stakeholder consultation and uncertainty modeling. RSI ensures that chosen criteria are clearly articulated, consistently applied, and documented in a way that supports both accountability and future learning.
Read More Audience segmentation and profiling
RSI incorporates segmentation and profiling into its stakeholder analyses, risk perception studies, and communication planning efforts. By applying statistical clustering, survey tools, or qualitative categorization, RSI helps clients anticipate where support, resistance, or misunderstanding may arise. These profiles are then used to tailor messages, clarify risk framing, or calibrate interventions to diverse audiences. RSI’s ability to contextualize technical findings across stakeholder lines strengthens its broader Understanding Risk offerings.
Read More Use of weight-of-evidence criteria
RSI structures WoE assessments using clearly defined inclusion criteria, evidence grading, and decision logic. Whether evaluating carcinogenicity, endocrine activity, or behavioral responses, RSI documents how conclusions are drawn and uncertainties managed. This method strengthens the credibility and defensibility of RSI’s risk determinations across sectors.
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