WSL and Zense develop platform on climate extremes
The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) and the Zurich-based agency Zense have jointly developed a web app that makes research findings on extreme weather accessible. The platform combines scientific content with interactive design and a surprisingly humorous tone.
With the website Extremes.wsl.ch WSL and Zense are presenting a new digital format for communicating research findings on climate extremes. The interactive platform was developed to present complex scientific findings on the effects of droughts, heatwaves and heavy precipitation on the environment and society in Switzerland in a way that is understandable to a wide audience.
The content of the platform is based on a four-year WSL study on extreme weather events and their consequences. The aim was to use the research to create a means of communication that invites users to explore and understand. The result is a web app with interactive elements, clear imagery and a minimalist design that deliberately addresses the topic with a pinch of black humor.
"Research into climate extremes is a serious topic - but that doesn't mean we can't engage people with humor and creativity," explains Marion Deichmann, project manager at Zense. The platform was presented for the first time at the WSL specialist event "Forum for Knowledge" at the beginning of April 2025 and has since attracted numerous visitors.
Responsible for the WSL Extremes research program: Astrid Björnsen (Co-Lead). Responsible at Zense: Marion Deichmann (project management); Madleina Dörig (design). Implementation Partners: Mirko Lemme (programming).
