Towards user-centred decision support systems for urban resilience: a theoretical framework for integrating user risk factors into assessment processes

This paper proposes a theoretical methodological framework aimed at integrating users’ exposure and vulnerability into decision support systems for urban planning and emergency management. Based on a modular and multi-scale assessment approach, the framework defines a composite indicator that quantifies Users’ Exposure and Vulnerability, which depends on the individual urban functions and on their effects on the quantity and typology of hosted users. The assessment is applicable at the micro (buildings), meso (public open spaces), and macro (neighbourhoods or urban areas) levels. Leveraging open-source geospatial technologies for the collection, integration, and analysis of demographic, spatial, and urban data, the framework is designed to account for time-based evaluations (daytime, nighttime, holiday) and scenario-based assessments. Therefore, the proposed framework is intended to adopt a user-centred perspective on urban resilience and to provide a conceptual basis for decision-support activities in urban planning, emergency management, and the enhancement of local community awareness. It outlines a structured approach for analysing and comparing urban transformations in terms of potential impacts on users’ exposure and vulnerability. Despite certain limitations related to the use of standardized data inputs, which may be addressed through targeted in situ surveys, the framework is conceived to be scalable and adaptable, allowing for integration of more specific parameters and ongoing updates. The proposed theoretical user-centred assessment approach hence provides a basis for discussing strategies aimed at safer, more inclusive, and sustainable urban environments. Finally, it defines a foundation for future developments aimed at integrating additional user vulnerability conditions and urban resilience monitoring tools into decision support systems.