Design Approach on Flood Effect of the Durable Goods in Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness Phase

Design Approach on Flood Effect of the Durable Goods in Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness Phase

Linda Abd Hamid¹*, Nabilah Shafiqa Zukfli², Ahmad Azahari Mohd Nazar³, Erwin Rezasyah⁴, Muhamad Fahmi Ahmad⁵

^1,3,5Industrial Design department, College of Creative Arts, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia

²Product Development department, NABO Furniture, Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA.

⁴Faculty of Engineering, BINUS University, Jakarta, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51584/IJRIAS.2024.909013

Received: 27 August 2024; Accepted: 03 September 2024; Published: 03 October 2024

ABSTRACT

This research summarizes flood risk management with a primary focus on protecting durable goods during floods. This research acknowledges the need for a comprehensive approach to managing flood risks across various phases. This research examines the vulnerabilities and coping strategies of flood victims in safeguarding their possessions during floods, highlighting their general vulnerability and lack of concrete protective measures. To address these challenges, the research recommends innovative solutions for flood victims. Furthermore, researchers identify durable goods, particularly furniture and electronics, as most at-risk during floods and suggest measures to mitigate this vulnerability, including vehicle internal compartments. This research also uncovers the explicit and implicit needs of flood victims concerning their belongings, proposing design concepts that encompass item wrapping and safeguard mechanisms. In conclusion, this research contributes essential insights into flood risk management and innovative design solutions for safeguarding durable goods during floods. It underscores the importance of community involvement, government policies, and ongoing research in reducing flood-related losses and damage.

Keywords: Flood Effect; Disaster Risk Reduction; Disaster phase; Design Approach; Conceptual Idea

INTRODUCTION

This research explores the impact of urban floods on victims, focusing on the loss and damage to durable goods. It is based on an analysis of news clippings, articles, and Google Scholar that shed light on the effects of flooding, with a particular emphasis on property losses such as house collapses, furniture damage, discarded electrical items, and the total loss of vehicles. Floods in urban areas, notably Kuala Lumpur (Samsuri, 2018), have led to significant damage and losses to both durable goods (Bhuiyan, 2018). Even though these flood events have occurred over the years (Mohamad Yusoff, 2018), the losses associated with properties and vehicles continue to be of significant concern. Many flood victims, despite their past experiences, appear to lack preparedness to effectively mitigate these issues. This literature review endeavors to investigate the factors contributing to this lack of preparedness (Shariff, 2018) and to evaluate the weaknesses, strategies, activities, and roles of flood victims in managing the risks (D’Ayala, 2020) associated with the protection of their durable goods during floods.

An important finding of this research is that flood victims often struggle to save their valuable belongings beyond ensuring their safety (Salleh, 2020). This challenge arises partly from the lack of experience among urban residents, particularly those in Kuala Lumpur, who may not have encountered severe flooding in the past. Moreover, it is observed that low-income communities within the city (Sardi, 2019) tend to suffer more during floods, resulting in the loss of their homes and possessions. In such instances, government agencies have intervened to provide shelter, clothing, and essentials to affected communities (Selvaraj, 2019). To address the challenges faced by flood victims, the study seeks to encourage them to equip their homes with safety devices that can help protect durable goods (Nasiri, 2018). Notably, many flood victims lack awareness of these safety measures, partly due to their limited exposure to such severe flood events. By promoting the use of safety items (Marzukhi, 2018) designed to protect durable goods, this research aims to contribute to resolving these issues. A significant observation from this literature review is that urban floods are often exacerbated by uncontrolled human activities (Shah, 2017). The ongoing infrastructure development near river areas and the unchecked littering that clogs drains and waterways contribute to the severity of flooding (Selvaraj, 2019). Consequently, it is essential to address these factors to better manage flood risks and reduce the damage to durable goods. In summary, this literature review synthesizes information from various sources and identifies the need to improve preparedness and disaster management strategies to safeguard durable goods during urban floods, particularly in areas like Kuala Lumpur. The study aims to explore the weaknesses and challenges faced by flood victims and to develop effective strategies to mitigate these issues. The following sections will outline the specific aims, objectives, problem statement, and research questions derived from the insights gained through this literature review.

Research Background

Urban areas in Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur, have been unexpectedly affected by significant floods (H, 2021). This has caught many Malaysians off guard, as they have not been adequately prepared to deal with these disasters despite recurrent flooding over the years. Urban floods in Kuala Lumpur often result from river overflow due to heavy rain and high tides (D’Ayala, 2020). These floods have caused substantial material losses, reduced disaster resilience, and increased property damage and destruction (Sardi, 2019). The delayed or incomplete construction of certain projects exacerbates the flood situation in these urban areas (Bhuiyan, 2018). Moreover, the flooding in Kuala Lumpur has had far-reaching consequences, affecting various emergency facilities such as the SMART tunnel, which was originally designed to mitigate flooding and alleviate traffic congestion during peak hours. Unfortunately, due to various factors, including the use of the tunnel as a primary travel route, the situation has become complex (Isah, 2015).

Predicting the optimal timing for flood preparedness is challenging (Rahman, 2022), given the unpredictability of rainfall trends and the likelihood of flooding. Vulnerable groups, particularly low-income communities, are disproportionately affected by flooding due to their limited preparedness and resilience. This results in injuries, loss of life, property damage, and a considerable psychological toll. Notably, inadequate addressing of flood victims’ suffering can lead to long-term mental health issues, persisting for up to nine months following the disaster (Sipon, 2013). During flood events, many victims are housed in temporary evacuation centers, which have experienced overcrowding and posed challenges for managing standard operating procedures such as social isolation and quarantine, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic (Ng, 2021). To mitigate the adverse effects of flood disasters, all Malaysians need to take proactive measures. This research seeks to address the pressing issue of durable goods affected during floods by identifying significant items and vehicles damaged by floods. The total flood-related losses in Malaysia are estimated at RM6.1 billion, based on information from the Department of Statistics, equating to USD1.46 billion (Bernama, 2022).

This research aims to propose a conceptual design solution for protecting durable goods during floods. The main objectives supporting this aim are to identify important household items and types of vehicles damaged by floods. To investigate public vulnerabilities, strategies, activities, and roles in managing flood risks on household items during floods and lastly to identify the salient and non-salient needs of flood victims regarding durable goods during floods. The study faced three primary constraints: time limitations, cost constraints, and challenges related to obtaining adequate survey responses. Due to time constraints and pandemic-related restrictions, physical data collection involving close contact was challenging. This necessitated the use of online surveys as the primary data collection method. Additionally, cost limitations hindered extensive travel for observational studies or experiential learning in Kuala Lumpur. The study focused on addressing the limitations and constraints by utilizing various research methods, including brainstorming, 5W1H methods, PESTEL research, Existing Product Analysis (EPA), and Remote Field Research, to collect in-depth data and generate ideas for the design solution. Furthermore, the study included three main parts in the questionnaire: background information about the respondents, questions about the impact of flash floods on communities, assets, and utilities, and inquiries about flood preparedness. The study involved 13 respondents who provided survey responses, and observational surveys were conducted based on flood situations in Kuala Lumpur and nearby areas, further supplemented by online images and articles. This delimitation allowed for a comprehensive examination of household items and vehicle effects during urban floods in Kuala Lumpur and the development of a suitable design solution.

METHOD

In the pursuit of investigating flood-related challenges and devising effective solutions for safeguarding durable goods, a meticulously structured research methodology was adopted. Each facet of the chosen methodology played a pivotal role in enabling a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and, subsequently, the generation of innovative design solutions.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY INVOLVED

The research journey commenced with an exhaustive review of pertinent literature. This scholarly exploration immersed researchers in the intricate dynamics of floods, their consequences, and their intersection with various aspects. This foundational step was crucial for gaining deep insights into the problem space (Hamid, 2013). Empirical observation was conducted to understand how flood victims respond to such crises (Liu, 2022). This approach, albeit constrained by the pandemic, provided valuable qualitative data on victims’ behaviors, coping mechanisms, and the impact of floods on their possessions. An online questionnaire, thoughtfully crafted with 20 questions, served as a powerful tool to delve deeper into the lived experiences of flood victims. This self-administered survey not only ensured the safety and anonymity of respondents during the COVID-19 pandemic but also facilitated comprehensive data collection. Collaborative brainstorming sessions (Toyong, 2021) involving stakeholders and experts were instrumental in shaping the research focus and generating creative solutions (Nasir, 2022). This collective ideation process enriched the research endeavor.

The PESTEL framework (Buye, 2021) guided the categorization of external factors affecting flood occurrences. This method afforded a structured approach to identify and analyze political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal dimensions. Insights extracted from the PESTEL analysis were meticulously categorized into opportunities and threats. These categories informed concrete proposals within four critical clusters: technology, behavior, property, and facilities. The identified clusters—technology, behavior, property, and facilities—emerged as focal points necessitating in-depth exploration, given their prominent roles in flood scenarios. A comprehensive analysis of existing products was undertaken, considering parameters like cost, safety, quality, and material. The findings from this analysis informed us of the criteria for the proposed product design. Evaluation of non-tangible solutions was crucial for identifying strengths and weaknesses that could be integrated into the proposed conceptual product design. Exploration of solutions from related fields expanded the scope of innovative ideation and adaptation to the proposed conceptual product design. Anchoring the research within contemporary biotechnology trends ensured alignment with emerging technologies and potential biotechnological solutions. Products were strategically positioned based on specific target audiences and brand-specific strategies, facilitating a nuanced understanding of market dynamics.

Detailed analysis of existing products provided essential insights into functionality, design, and features, guiding the development of the proposed conceptual product. Employing the A.E.I.O.U methodology (Chen, 2012), valuable data about product dimensions, shape, systems, and usability was remotely acquired from experts and users. To maintain unwavering focus within the research scope, the four core clusters—Technology, Behavior, Property, and Facilities—played a pivotal role in defining design considerations.

This research methodology embodies a holistic and dynamic framework, harmonizing a diverse range of techniques, analyses, and ideation processes. The robust combination of literature review, observational surveys, questionnaire administration, brainstorming, sophisticated analytical frameworks, and diverse forms of analysis collaboratively constitutes a multifaceted approach characterized by depth, nuance, and scholarly rigor. This methodology serves as a robust foundation for the study’s overarching objectives and the formulation of innovative design solutions.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This research extensively analyzes data collected through various research methods to derive solutions to the impact of floods on durable goods. The research primarily relies on literature reviews to enhance researcher comprehension of flood disasters, evaluate challenges, and propose solutions. The central issue identified is the struggle faced by flood victims in protecting their belongings during such crises. These findings pave the way for the development of an emergency rescue product as a pragmatic solution.

Data Collection

To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the findings, researchers employed a range of research methods. Each method contributes to a holistic understanding of the research area and is instrumental in shaping the subsequent steps and product design. Figure 1 illustrates the researcher’s strategic curation of pivotal data concerning flood-related topics. Specifically, it focuses on unmanageable individual behaviors, notably widespread littering, and its consequential role in obstructing drainage systems, consequently contributing to flood occurrences. It underscores the concern of unregulated human activities, such as river occupation, forest degradation, and the influence of climate change-induced extreme weather events. This complex interplay of factors contributes to elevated river water levels and is instrumental in the initiation of floods in the region of Kuala Lumpur. Researchers identified a significant issue wherein flooding in urban areas stems from the substantial proliferation of rapid spatial transformations in the terrain. Additionally, inadequate drainage systems exacerbate the situation, resulting in inundated roads and the consequential manifestation of severe traffic congestion. The researcher has delineated the research focus as an investigation into the vulnerabilities, strategies, activities, and potential contributions of stakeholders in mitigating flood risks to household items during inundations. This approach facilitates a comprehensive assessment of flood causes, the recognition of household belongings, and the formulation of strategies for safeguarding during and post-flood incidents.

Figure 1: Literature Review to extract RA, RO PS, and RQ.

Given the constraints posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and government-imposed emergencies, field observations were carried out remotely by dedicated volunteers in specific locations. This remote observation method provides valuable insights into the immediate aftermath of flood disasters, the trauma experienced by victims, property damage, and the strategies adopted by victims to safeguard their durable goods.

Figure 2: Situation of the house during flood.

In Figure 2, floodwaters encroach upon a residential structure, submerging household items and prompting animals to seek refuge on elevated surfaces. The observation reveals extensive damage to virtually all the victim’s belongings, as they become engulfed by a viscous sediment. Furthermore, transportation assets, such as motorcycles, also bear the brunt of the inundation. Regrettably, the overarching implication of this depiction is the inevitable disposal of these items, as they become irreparably compromised. It becomes apparent that floodwaters possess the capacity to saturate and irreversibly impair a wide array of household items.

Figure 3: Observation Situation when cleaning the house.

The volunteer-led cleaning process for the victim’s residence, as demonstrated by the researcher, highlights the imperative need to address the substantial mud accumulation within and around the house. Figure 3 comprehensively portrays the conditions during and after the flood event. Within the second image, researchers discern the adverse effects on personal belongings, with a clear indication of extensive damage to household items, including motorbikes. The third image captures volunteers diligently engaged in the laborious task of cleansing the residence, which involves the extraction of items such as bed frames from the affected rooms.

The questionnaire comprised three sections, encompassing a total of 20 questions, designed to ensure data quality and objectivity. Respondents were granted five days for questionnaire completion, commencing on July 20, 2022, and concluding on July 25, 2022. Section one of the questionnaire focused on gathering background information from respondents, with a primary emphasis on occupational categorization, including students, business professionals, government employees, and private sector workers. In this survey, the predominant gender among respondents is female, comprising 9 individuals, whereas the male respondents are limited to 4 individuals. The data predominantly represents respondents aged above 25 years, constituting the majority at 53.8%, corresponding to 7 participants. Furthermore, the highest income bracket falls within the range of B40 to M40, accounting for 46.2% of respondents, while the T20 category represents a considerably smaller proportion at only 7.7%. Subsequently, in sections two and three, inquiries centered on the impact of flash floods on societal assets and utilities. A notable majority of the victims identified economic factors, particularly the presence of uninsured assets within the informal sector and the vulnerability of livelihoods, as significant factors contributing to their distress during flood incidents. The items most significantly affected by the flood, as indicated by the highest percentages, are vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, alongside furniture. A substantial 69.2% of respondents acknowledged a lack of preparedness in terms of pre-flooding actions, while a minority of 30.8%, comprising 4 respondents, reported a different perspective. Notably, 38.5% of respondents identified furniture and 23.1% mentioned electrical appliances as challenging to repair following flood damage.

The researcher employed brainstorming techniques to extract crucial insights regarding floods, categorizing the effects of disasters, victims’ needs, solutions, concerns, and systemic issues. During floods, victims typically save only essential items, like documents, due to limited capacity. Solutions, such as using buoys for self-preservation and carrying important tools, emerged as practical during dire situations. Figure 4, titled “Extracted Points from Brainstorming,” provides a visual representation of these categories, illustrating flood consequences, needs, solutions, and systemic issues. Flooding frequently results in victims being stranded on rooftops, and facing food shortages, particularly detrimental for children. Priority during floods remains to rescue vital documents, while other possessions like furniture and electronics are often lost in the deluge. Comprehensive questionnaire surveys and literature analysis unveiled negative human behaviors like careless waste disposal, unauthorized logging, and illegal construction as primary drivers of flooding. These behaviors lead to drain blockages due to waste accumulation. This concise summary underscores the importance of understanding the consequences, needs, and solutions related to floods and the detrimental impact of certain human behaviors on flooding occurrences.

Figure 4: Extract points from brainstorming.

Additionally, the researcher methodically applied the “PESTEL” analysis framework, encompassing political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal dimensions, to dissect the intricate web of factors underlying the recurrent flooding predicament, with a specific focus on Kuala Lumpur. This comprehensive analysis unveiled critical external influences and dynamic changes that necessitate careful integration into flood mitigation strategies. From a political perspective, the presence of multiple stakeholders and the sluggish governmental response in the face of disasters exacerbate flooding concerns, occasionally demanding international aid when fiscal allocations prove inadequate. On the economic front, flooding inflicts adverse consequences on infrastructure, roads, and vehicular mobility, leading to traffic snarls, while logistical disruptions disrupt the import and export processes. Socially, the protracted response times and transportation bottlenecks generate public disgruntlement and pose tangible threats to safety. On the technological front, deficiencies in the flood alert system’s capacity to promptly identify flood-prone zones and the sluggish dissemination of pertinent information compound the challenge. Environmental factors, notably the scarcity of water catchment areas attributed to impermeable urban surfaces and the dearth of efficient drainage systems, aggravate the flooding predicament. Legally, haphazard constructions by unscrupulous entities and the non-uniform nature of drainage systems contribute to the heightened flood risks. These multifaceted insights, derived from the meticulous “PESTEL” analysis, underscore the imperative of formulating holistic flood mitigation strategies that conscientiously account for the multifarious external factors that collectively engender recurrent flooding. This research serves to underscore the profound and interrelated impact of political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal facets on the complex issue of flooding in Kuala Lumpur.

Fig. 5. PESTEL Analysis and Opportunity and Threats

In Figure 5, the researchers harnessed the framework of opportunities and threats to discern inherent strengths and weaknesses within the domains of technology, human behavior, assets, and communal facilities, to illuminate avenues for future enhancements. Employing a four-color scheme strategy, distinct elements were accentuated for enhanced clarity. Notably, yellow denoted facets associated with technology, blue symbolized behavioral aspects exhibited during flood events, pink encapsulated assets, infrastructure, and environmental considerations, and finally, the green hue connoted community-centric facilities, including transportation, profoundly impacted by flooding incidents. This systematic approach enabled the researchers to decipher, with precision, the critical areas necessitating further development or fortification in the context of technology, human conduct, assets, and communal amenities, providing a structured basis for future improvements. These four prominently cited clusters offer a potential framework for analyzing recent and prospective disasters, considering various internal and external factors.

The technological cluster encompasses tools designed to aid users in flood response, including weather forecasting and alarm systems. While these systems provide precise data, they exhibit certain limitations necessitating rectification. Conduct was identified as a contributing factor to flooding, notably the indiscriminate littering habits of some individuals and illicit logging activities. Additionally, the response times of relevant agencies in assisting flood victims were found to be suboptimal. The infrastructure cluster, encompassing properties, and facilities, demands prioritization as they are integral to community welfare. The study unveiled the flood’s adverse impact on the food supply, the disruption of essential services such as electricity, and severe damage to furniture.

These clusters are intrinsically linked to environmental degradation, incurring substantial recovery costs. This holistic approach to clustering provides a comprehensive framework for assessing potential disaster occurrences.

The researcher also employs a technique known as the EPA to assess existing products, aiming to establish a set of criteria for the proposed conceptual product design. This approach allows researchers to refine and enhance these criteria based on their findings and incorporate them into the design of new products.

Figure 6: EPA Data Analysis

Figure 6 investigates products that were used during floods or have features that can be improved for future use. Notable examples include alarm systems, water detectors, and solar-powered devices. It also examines products in terms of their behavior and properties. Items such as walkie-talkies, radios, torches, inflatable boats, and towing straps are discussed in the context of behavior, as they are portable and useful during emergencies. Products like boats and towing straps are highlighted for their importance both during and after a flood, given their potential to save lives and protect belongings. The researcher also identifies four essential items, including sandbags, portable floodlights, body hoover mattresses, and safety jackets. These products play a critical role in enhancing the safety of flood victims and safeguarding their belongings. The research emphasizes the importance of user safety and encourages the use of these products by victims. The researcher points out that most existing products lack safety systems. The overall goal is to identify design requirements for products that can assist flood victims. The researcher notes that existing products are somewhat limited in their design features, highlighting the need for innovation in this area. The primary objective is to propose conceptual design products with enhanced functionality and integrated systems, addressing the strengths and weaknesses of existing products. The researcher’s goal is to propose conceptual products that are more effective in assisting flood victims.

Current non-product solutions (NPS) have both advantages and disadvantages, as per the study (NPS). Researchers can leverage these solutions to identify skill sets and make improvements for future products. Users often resort to NPS spontaneously in situations where specific equipment for attention is lacking. For example, they may employ techniques like tapping on a hard surface or using a whistle to signal for help in emergencies. The researcher utilizes a technique known as item and animal or natural solution from the analogous field (SAF), which encompasses two distinct categories. SAF serves as a reference point for researchers to identify elements that can be integrated into future products, particularly when it comes to items. It can be a valuable tool in situations where victims lack safety equipment. For instance, it can involve signaling for help in the dark by using a light stick as a makeshift torch. Furthermore, the researcher seeks to explore the full range of capabilities in animals and plants that can be used as reference or inspiration for product development in the SAF category of animals and nature. This approach allows researchers to expand their search beyond conventional product concepts, drawing from unique abilities such as sensing, floating, and evading.

Figure 7 illustrates this concept of future product design, including the incorporation of biotechnology. Researchers employ this method to assess the systems integrated into the product. For instance, a device may include GPS for tracking its movement and the capacity to operate autonomously or via smartphone control.

Figure 7: NPS, SAF, and Biotechnology Data Analysis

Figure 8 provides the researcher with the means to examine various aspects of the product, including material, system, form, size, and other relevant factors through product positioning. This approach enables the development of a customer-centric strategy that encompasses essential elements such as brand image, distinctive features, quality, and identity. In the event of a disaster, this strategy is deployed to pinpoint the user target market and discern trends associated with user suitability.

Figure 8: Product positioning of the EPA

To confirm the findings, the researcher conducted remote online research to gather data. This research involved analyzing information and trends in a virtual environment, rather than physically visiting locations, or conducting face-to-face interviews. The purpose was to study different aspects related to technology, human behavior, and the use of items before, during, and after disasters. The research utilized colors, as seen in Figure 9, to represent technology and behavior. This allowed the researcher to observe various scenarios and user experiences. In Figure 9, the focus shifted to everyday items that could be helpful after a disaster.

Figure 9: Color coding in Remote Research

The research aimed to identify how these items could be utilized in different ways to assist people in challenging situations. Data from the remote online research, presented in Figure 10, highlighted products that are effective in disaster situations. These products were found to be well-suited for dealing with challenges like thick mud, power outages, or the need for quick and easy transportation. The research also revealed the importance of easy-to-carry and waterproof products.

Overall, the remote online research provided valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of various products and how they could better serve people during and after disasters. This information guides the design of products that prioritize user safety, comfort, and effectiveness. It also helps in determining the key features needed for technology, behavior, and the use of items in disaster scenarios. The researcher explored solutions to address the challenges faced by disaster victims. One approach involved incorporating sensory products into the design of new products intended for disaster-affected individuals. Additionally, the researcher proposed the development of a sensing system to enhance responsiveness during flood situations. Subsequently, the researcher initiated a design process and focused on imbuing the product with sensory system capabilities. This included features like adaptable wrapping that can transform into a floating device through the sensing system. Throughout the design phase, careful attention was given to human factors to reduce the potential for human error.

Figure 10: Data Analysis using AEIOU in Remote Research

The researcher proceeds to create ideation sketches to refine the product’s design for the subsequent stage. The chosen design will serve as the basis for developing the proposed conceptual final design, complete with its functionalities and systems. These designs are developed with specific criteria, considering not only functionality but also aesthetic and ergonomic considerations. The final conceptual design is selected after several development iterations.

Figure 11: Ideation Table Analysis

The initial design concept presented in Figure 11 outlines a device capable of submerging underwater, identifying objects around the home, and utilizing a solar system. This design aims to assist flood victims in locating their missing belongings and draws inspiration from the sleek, water-resistant shape of stingrays. Ideation 2 is derived from data analysis. This design features elements inspired by jellyfish and futuristic items, with a focus on object detection and floating capabilities. It also incorporates a buoy-like float for protecting the victim’s possessions. Systems such as the solar system, lighting, and alert systems are integrated, and the device activates when it meets water. Ideation 3, centers on the concept of protective wrapping for personal objects, particularly those that are easily portable, such as dining tables, chairs, and cupboards. The design is adapted from earlier research to ensure ease of use during floods. Ideation 4, which initially emphasizes substantial objects like cars. It incorporates a wrapping method and a detector for locating goods. Additionally, it features a radio for communication in case the victim is stranded within the vehicle. The last concept envisions a product that can save both individuals and household items while flying like a drone. It utilizes a special system that deploys a float, inflating upon contact with water. The sensor system is designed to recognize the user’s belongings. Overall, Concept Ideations 2 and 3 can be further refined and combined to create an effective product. The key distinction lies in the application of protective wrapping to domestic items and specific car compartments, reducing the frequency of damage to homes and cars.

CONCLUSIONS

The concluding section of this research serves as a synthesis of findings aimed at managing flood risks in Kuala Lumpur, with a particular focus on their impact on vehicles and household items. This discussion reflects on the various aspects of disaster response, notably mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, with an emphasis on improving the management of flood risks. It is apparent from the available literature that a substantial portion of the research predominantly concentrates on the preparedness phase. Thus, it becomes increasingly important to ensure the efficient and effective management of flood risks, especially concerning the protection of durable goods. The research’s conclusions are centered on the overarching research goal, which is to propose a conceptual design solution capable of safeguarding the durable goods of flood victims. These conclusions align with the research objectives as follows:

Research Objective No.1: To investigate the vulnerabilities of flood victims, their strategies, activities, and roles in managing flood risks concerning household items during floods. Conclusively, it is apparent that flood victims are undoubtedly vulnerable to this disaster. They frequently lack strategies or a comprehensive community or individual plan, rendering them ill-prepared to protect their durable goods from flood damage. This observation is consistent with survey results that have been gathered during this research. Whether individuals are first-time victims or possess some experience with flooding, their primary concern often revolves around relocating household items to higher ground or securing their cars in elevated areas. However, their capacity to effectively manage these items during floods is often limited, with the potential for damage being beyond their control. This limitation underscores the need for the proposed design concept, which can protect household items, particularly furniture such as dining tables, chairs, cabinets, and important documents. Additionally, a vacuum system has been integrated into this concept to enhance item safety.

Research Objective No. 2: To identify significant durable goods commonly damaged during floods and explore how such damage can be mitigated through preparations. The research identifies that typical durable goods that fall victim to flood damage are furniture, electrical and electronic products, and vehicles. It is observed that with better preparedness and proactive measures, these losses can be significantly reduced. Flood victims who anticipate and prepare for such events can better safeguard their belongings. Notably, only a select few items may need to be prioritized for preservation during floods, with the remainder being salvaged during the post-flood recovery phase. Consequently, the proposed design solution should focus on protecting these specific categories of items and mitigating flood-related damage.

Research Objective No. 3: To ascertain the essential and non-essential needs of flood victims concerning their durable goods during floods. The research has led to the development of a design concept that addresses the identified needs of flood victims, particularly in safeguarding their durable goods. The proposed design involves a protective wrapping system that is suitable for furniture such as dining tables, chairs, cabinets, and essential documents. The system can be easily activated, ensuring the items’ safety during floods. The integration of a vacuum system adds an extra layer of security, guaranteeing the preservation of valuable items.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The findings from this research suggest that future studies should incorporate direct, face-to-face interactions with flood victims during flood events. This methodological approach will allow researchers to gain a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and critical needs experienced by victims, thereby facilitating the development of more targeted and effective solutions. Furthermore, collaboration with government agencies and other relevant stakeholders is imperative to broaden the scope of insights and ensure that research is grounded in practical experiences.

It is recommended that government agencies take a proactive role in organizing specialized workshops and seminars for personnel engaged in flood-related operations. These training sessions should equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to mitigate economic losses and enhance operational preparedness during flood events. Additionally, there is a critical need for increased investment in the acquisition, storage, and systematic management of flood-related data. This effort should be accompanied by the development and dissemination of comprehensive guidelines based on best practices to improve the effectiveness of flood response strategies.

For future research and design endeavors, it is advisable that designers conduct thorough interviews with flood victims to identify optimal design solutions. Additionally, exploring current technological advancements is essential to address the specific needs and aspirations of affected communities, contributing to broader national development goals. Active community participation is also crucial for reducing vulnerability and enhancing the resilience of urban populations to flood events. Raising awareness of disaster preparedness and management within these communities can significantly bolster the nation’s long-term resilience to flooding.

In conclusion, flash floods represent a significant threat in Malaysia, particularly in urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur, where they have caused extensive losses and damage to durable goods. Addressing this complex challenge requires a collective and coordinated effort involving government authorities, community members, researchers, and designers. By working together, it is possible to mitigate the severe impacts of flooding and minimize associated losses and damages. This research supports the national Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) plan by proposing practical, evidence-based solutions tailored to the needs of flood victims, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the well-being and resilience of the nation.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The researchers would like to express their gratitude to the College of Creative Arts for initiating grant opportunities that foster research practices among academic staff. We also extend our appreciation to ReNeu, and UiTM, for their invaluable support and expertise, which has been instrumental in the preparation of this manuscript.

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