The Daily Aus Did the BOM get it wrong... again?
Oct 30, 2025
The podcast delves into the controversy surrounding the Bureau of Meteorology's $4 million website redesign. Hosts discuss how the launch coincided with severe storms, causing major user frustration. They explore key functional issues, such as missing radar features and confusing updates, significantly impacting farmers and fishermen. The government’s swift intervention and the public's backlash reveal the challenges of public-sector rebrands. The hosts also touch on the psychology of why people resist change, using relatable examples like social media platforms.
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Critical Infrastructure Requires Careful Redesign
- The Bureau's website hadn't been updated since 2013 and serves millions daily, so a redesign targeted mobile and modern needs.
- The $4m project included a 12-month beta but still risked breaking critical user workflows.
Launch During Severe Storms
- The site launched amid severe storms causing major power outages and high public demand for forecasts.
- Many users found the new design difficult to navigate during that high-stress period.
Missing Functionality, Not Just Aesthetic Change
- Users lost key radar features like storm-tracking and saw delayed radar updates, reducing situational awareness.
- Changes to radar display (e.g., hail colour) and loss of GPS lookup harmed farmers and fishermen.
