AusAlert is Australia’s new national emergency warning system, created to send fast, location-based messages directly to compatible mobile devices during disasters and serious emergencies. Its public website has a vital purpose: making sure people recognise an AusAlert, understand what it means and know how to respond when every second matters.

The National Emergency Management Agency engaged Icon Agency (ICON) to deliver the website’s information architecture, user experience and visual design, and GovCMS development. The challenge was to translate a technically complex national system into a clear, trusted and inclusive public experience for people of all ages, abilities and levels of digital confidence.

ICON structured the site around the questions Australians are most likely to ask. Do I need to register? Why did my phone make that sound? Can I turn alerts off? Is my device compatible? What should I do when an alert arrives? Clear pathways connect introductory information with practical device guidance, test and launch updates, multilingual material and tailored resources.

The experience was designed to reduce cognitive load and make important safety information easy to scan. Strong hierarchy, readable typography, responsive components and accessible interaction patterns support use across mobile, desktop and assistive technologies.

Dedicated resources support children and teenagers, older Australians, First Nations communities, people with disability, visitors, regional and remote communities, and people experiencing domestic and family violence who may use a hidden device.

Built on GovCMS, the platform gives NEMA a secure, scalable and maintainable foundation for public education, national testing and future emergency communication.

The website acts as the public trust layer for a nationally significant safety system, turning complex technology into practical knowledge that helps Australians prepare, act and stay safer.