Consumer Empowerment

Strengthen consumers in dealing with risks and uncertainty

On the basis of the research project RisikoAtlas, the Harding Center encourages the competencies of consumers to read information critically and, thus make self-determined decisions in situations of risk or uncertainty. This takes place against the background that everyday risks and opportunities are often not adequately assessed and statistical presentations from the media can be misleading. To support consumers in their decisions, digital tools and methods based on scientific findings have been developed at the Harding Center for Risk Competence: Interactive visualizations of evidence-based risk communicationand learning visualizations for the improvement of risk competenciesas well as an app for decision supportand a browser plugin as a risk reading assistant.

The tools and methods are primarily aimed at multipliers who inform and support consumers. The development was accompanied by a comprehensive research program. In particular, psychological prerequisites were researched, e.g. which representation of decision-supporting information is understood. Experts evaluated relevant criteria in topic-specific studies and provided feedback in expert interviews. Based on this, the tools were developed and evaluated together with consumers.

The project was funded by the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJV) on the basis of a resolution of the German Bundestag. The project was supported by the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE) within the framework of the program for the promotion of innovation.

The link to consumer promotion.