Overview: Natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey revealed the immense vulnerabilities faced by construction workers who participate in post-disaster recovery efforts. These workers often lack adequate training in hazard recognition, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage, and emergency response—putting their health and lives at risk. “Pocket Ark” was developed as an innovative, mobile-first solution aimed at closing this gap through interactive, engaging, and easy-to-access PPE training.
Challenge:
The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey brought to light several issues that continue to impact disaster recovery workers:
- Lack of accessible, job-specific training: Many workers had no formal training in flood zone hazard awareness or PPE usage.
- Language and literacy barriers: A significant portion of the workforce includes Spanish-speaking and undereducated individuals who find traditional training resources inaccessible or difficult to understand.
- Low retention of passive learning methods: Text-heavy materials and static videos fail to engage workers or prepare them for real-world scenarios.
- Gaps in consistent competency evaluation: There was no standardized, scalable method to evaluate whether workers could correctly identify hazards or select the proper PPE in a dynamic disaster environment.
Addressing these challenges required a new kind of intervention—one that was mobile, engaging, and rooted in real-world contexts.
Solution:
Radiant Digital developed and deployed an app designed to monitor and promote the effective use of PPE through micro-learning. Pocket Ark is a mobile-based PPE and hazard-awareness training platform designed specifically for construction workers involved in post-flood reconstruction. Its goal is to deliver interactive training that’s not only educational but also memorable, practical, and visually engaging.
Key Features:
- Flood Survivability Index (FSI): A customized risk matrix used to test hazard recognition and response competence.
- Interactive Learning Modules: Visual and scenario-based content focused on respiratory hazards, control methods, and PPE usage.
- Gamified Learning: Quiz-based simulations and decision-making exercises help reinforce understanding.
- Cultural & Linguistic Relevance: All content is bilingual and adapted for workers with varied literacy levels.
- Data Tracking: Monitors progress, quiz performance, and areas requiring additional focus.
Technologies Used:
The software development followed an agile, user-centered design process, ensuring constant iteration and feedback integration. The process included:
- Baseline Requirements & User Stories: Capturing system goals and user needs from both stakeholders and workers to shape functionalities.
- Release & Sprint Planning: Prioritizing features, addressing bugs, and introducing enhancements through short, iterative sprints.
- Sprint Execution & Review: 2 to 4-week development cycles culminated in demo-ready product increments, reviewed for feedback and future planning.
Each sprint was additive, and all product increments underwent robust testing, including:
- Functional Tests: Unit, system, regression, and user testing.
- Non-Functional Tests: Security, performance, and integration testing.
Outcomes:
- Smarter Training – Workers get the right information in the right moment
- Higher Compliance – PPE usage improves through interactive learning
- Better Safety – Real-time insights help organizations protect their people
- Seamless Integration – Works effortlessly with existing worker coordination systems
Conclusion:
Pocket Ark is more than a mobile application—it’s a vital tool that transforms how PPE training is delivered to disaster recovery workers. By integrating real-time learning, usability-focused design, and stakeholder collaboration, the platform redefines how underserved communities can access life-saving information.
As disasters become more frequent and climate resilience becomes a priority, solutions like Pocket Ark hold promise not only for response and recovery, but also for worker empowerment, safety, and dignity.
With Pocket Ark, PPE training is no longer a burden—it’s a seamless, engaging experience that truly makes a difference. By combining smart technology with human-centered design, Radiant Digital is helping workers stay safe and organizations stay compliant.
