“The Risk Hot Air Balloon” – A Metaphorical Tool for Risk Response Strategies

🎈 Concept:

Imagine each risk as a hot air balloon floating through the Risk Sky, whose altitude = impact and wind speed = probability. Depending on how high and how fast it moves, you must choose a different response strategy to keep the risk under control.


🔧 Key Design Elements:

  • Y-Axis (Altitude): IMPACT – How dangerous is the fall if the balloon fails?

  • X-Axis (Wind Speed): PROBABILITY – How likely is it that wind (random events) will push it off-course?


🧩 Strategy Zones in the Sky:

Zone Altitude (Impact) Wind Speed (Probability) Strategy Metaphor Action
🌤 Clear Skies Low Low Accept Let it float — No need to adjust anything
🌬 Watchful Breeze Low High Monitor Use instruments to track — Observe trajectory
⚠️ Storm Belt High Low Mitigate Add stabilizers — Reduce impact or lift
🌪 Danger Zone High High Transfer Send to another pilot — Insure or outsource