Varadise SSSS
Smart Site Safety System - Pioneer of Digital Engineering for Worksite Safety
Landing Page of Varadise Twin.
Context
In recent years, the rising number of occupational injuries and industrial accidents has underscored the pressing need for comprehensive safety solutions across various industries. Recognizing this critical issue, Varadise, a prominent technology company based in Hong Kong, has developed an innovative product known as the Smart Site Safety System. This groundbreaking solution aims to revolutionize industrial safety by leveraging cutting-edge technology and addressing the existing gaps in the market. With a focus on integrating disparate smart industrial safety hardware, Varadise's Smart Site Safety System promises to enhance workplace safety and significantly reduce the occurrence of accidents.
Increasing Occupational Injuries and Industrial Accidents
Occupational Safety and Health Statistics Bulletin Issue No. 22 (August 2022). Labour Department of Hong Kong.
The alarming increase in occupational injuries and industrial accidents has cast a spotlight on the urgent need for effective safety measures. Incidents at construction sites, manufacturing facilities, and other workplaces have demonstrated the potentially devastating consequences of inadequate safety protocols. The Smart Site Safety System by Varadise directly responds to this challenge by providing a comprehensive safety solution that mitigates risks, promotes a safety-conscious work environment, and safeguards the well-being of employees.
Amplified Funding and Support for Technology Development:
The Chief Executive’s 2021 Policy Address.
The second driving force behind the creation of the Smart Site Safety System is the recent surge in funding and support for technology development in Hong Kong's policy address. Recognizing the potential of technology to improve industrial safety, the government has actively encouraged companies to invest in innovative solutions. Varadise seized this opportunity to develop a state-of-the-art system that aligns with the government's vision and commitment to ensuring workplace safety. By combining financial support with technological expertise, Varadise has successfully created a solution that addresses the pressing safety concerns faced by various industries.
Integration Software Gap in the Market
Smart Safety Drones: Drones equipped with cameras and sensors to monitor large industrial areas, inspect infrastructure, detect leaks, and identify potential safety hazards.
Smart Safety Helmets: Helmets equipped with sensors to monitor worker's vital signs, detect hazardous gases, and provide real-time communication capabilities.
While smart industrial safety hardware has seen significant advancements, the lack of integration software has hindered the seamless operation and effectiveness of these devices. Varadise identified this crucial gap and designed the Smart Site Safety System as an all-encompassing solution that integrates and synchronizes diverse safety hardware components. By consolidating data from multiple sources and enabling real-time monitoring, the system offers a holistic approach to industrial safety management. Varadise's integration software not only enhances the compatibility of existing safety devices but also enables proactive safety measures, ensuring a safer and more productive work environment.
Varadise's Smart Site Safety System represents a paradigm shift in industrial safety. By addressing the increase in occupational injuries, leveraging the amplified funding and support for technology development, and bridging the gap in integration software, this innovative solution is poised to revolutionize workplace safety in Hong Kong and beyond. Varadise's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology, combined with their dedication to creating a safer work environment, positions them as a pioneer in the field of industrial safety. With the Smart Site Safety System, Varadise empowers companies to proactively protect their workforce, reduce accidents, and build a culture of safety that fosters productivity and well-being.
Product Development
Design thinking methodology, an iterative, non-linear process which focuses on a collaboration between designers and users.
Varadise's Smart Site Safety System is the result of a meticulous and collaborative product development process. Beginning with an empathetic approach, Varadise sought to deeply understand the challenges faced by industries grappling with safety issues. Through a process of defining the product goals and objectives, followed by ideation and prototyping, the company iteratively refined the system to ensure it met the needs of its users.
This development approach was further enhanced by adopting an agile methodology, allowing for close cooperation with the development team. By delivering Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and continuously refining the product vision in collaboration with the team, Varadise ensures that the Smart Site Safety System is always evolving and aligned with the ever-changing demands of the market. This iterative and agile approach ensures that the product is not only technologically robust but also fulfills its promise of enhancing workplace safety effectively.
Understand : Empathize & Define
During the initial stage of the product development process, Varadise employed an empathetic approach to better understand the needs and pain points of its target users. As a result, three distinct personas were created: the "client," representing the company or organization implementing the Smart Site Safety System; the "contractor," representing the on-site workers responsible for safety compliance; and the "consultant," representing safety experts or advisors involved in overseeing safety protocols.
User Personas : Client, Consultant, Contractor.
To gain further insight into the user experience, Varadise conducted a comprehensive Customer Journey Mapping (CJM) workshop. This workshop focused on outlining the user flow specifically related to handling a safety helmet alert incident through the Smart Site Safety System platform. By mapping out each step of the journey, from the initial alert to the resolution of the incident, Varadise gained a deep understanding of the user's interactions, pain points, and opportunities for improvement. This CJM exercise allowed Varadise to shape the Smart Site Safety System platform to cater to the specific needs and expectations of its users, ultimately enhancing their overall experience and ensuring effective incident management.
Customer Journey Mapping (CJM) workshop.
User Flow design of a safety alert triggered by the smart helmet.
Explore : Ideate & Prototype
During the "Ideate & Prototype" stage, Varadise adopted a user-friendly and intuitive approach to the UI/UX design of the Smart Site Safety System. Taking inspiration from the ease-of-use and simplicity of platforms like "Google Maps". Varadise aimed to create a seamless and accessible user experience. This approach allowed users to quickly grasp and navigate the system without the need for extensive training or technical expertise. Instead of opting for a complex and professional interface like "Autodesk Revit". Varadise prioritized a user-centric design that focused on usability and efficiency.
Complex Autodesk Revit (above) vs Simple Google Map (below).
To develop the Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), Varadise initially concentrated on creating the foundational elements within the application. This included implementing essential in-app controls and tools, such as camera controls and content navigation. These core features formed the basis of the system, providing users with fundamental functionalities from the start.
Essential in-app controls and tools. Radial user menu "Nautilus Wheel".
Different porpotion of data info and main UI.
Following the foundational development, Varadise turned its attention to a key feature that interacted with the smart helmet devices. This feature allowed for real-time data display and efficient handling of safety alert incidents. By integrating the smart helmet technology, the system enabled users to receive immediate updates on safety conditions and effectively manage potential hazards. The focus on this feature showcased Varadise's commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to enhance workplace safety and empower users with actionable insights.
Once the alert message is shown, user can inpect the specfic incident location and view the AI camera video streaming.
Through the ideation and prototyping stage, Varadise not only prioritized user-friendly design principles but also ensured the system's functionality aligned with the specific needs of the target users. By combining intuitive UI/UX design with essential tools and seamless integration with smart helmet devices, Varadise aimed to deliver a comprehensive solution that addressed the challenges of real-time safety monitoring and incident handling in industrial environments.
Materialize : Test & Implement
During the "Test & Implement" stage, Varadise conducted extensive user testing to gather valuable insights and ensure the system's effectiveness. Internal testing was carried out using Adobe XD prototypes, involving both engineering professionals and business management personnel within the company. This allowed for comprehensive feedback from different perspectives, enabling Varadise to refine the product further.
User testing through Adobe XD prototypes.
To facilitate ongoing feedback, Varadise implemented an online feedback system within the application itself. This system enabled end-users to directly report bugs or other issues, providing a streamlined avenue for continuous improvement.
The in-app report issue feature, enabled end-users to directly report bugs or other issues directly.
Based on the test results and user feedback from the live version of the app, Varadise made several important design changes to enhance the product:
Firstly, the icons were upgraded to "TwinIcons", offering improved visual representation and utilizing different colors and symbols for greater intuitiveness. This enhancement ensured that information was presented in a clear and easily understandable manner, avoiding data clustering and reducing the number of steps required to access desired features.
Icon improvement throught color classification and highlighting important info.
Secondly, the design of the AI Cameras was simplified based on user feedback. While the initial design aimed to create an immersive user experience by overlaying camera angles onto 3D photogrammetry, most users expressed a preference for the more familiar conventional CCTV layout. Responding to this feedback, Varadise adapted the design to resemble a series of CCTV footage displayed in a matrix format, providing a simpler and more user-friendly experience.
AI Camera UI adapting a conventional layout of CCTVs.
The final improvement focused on enhancing the algorithm for danger alerts triggered by the safety helmet. Through extensive testing and user feedback, Varadise recognized that prolonged idling of a worker on a construction site could also indicate potential danger. To address this, the system's algorithm was enhanced to detect and respond to a broader range of danger occurrences, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to workplace safety.
Abnormally detected on the Varadise Twin platform. A worker has press the panic button.
By diligently testing and implementing these improvements, Varadise demonstrated its commitment to refining the Smart Site Safety System based on user feedback and real-world usage scenarios. These enhancements not only improved the overall user experience but also ensured the system's ability to identify and mitigate potential hazards effectively.
Agile Development
Recognizing the challenges of satisfying diverse customer demands and the inefficiencies of developing the product for each individual project owner, Varadise adopted an agile development framework. To ensure a smooth transition, I equipped with the Professional Scrum Product Owner certification from Scrum.org, acquired the necessary knowledge and led the introduction of agile practices. Agile workshops were conducted with various departments, including the development and business teams, to foster a shared understanding and align the team's efforts.
Professional Scrum Product Owner™ I Certification. Scrum Framework.
The implementation of the agile methodology proved instrumental in realizing the product vision. The team learned effective communication of prioritization and backlog item estimates, enabling them to synchronize crucial information and maintain focus on sprint goals. Regular scrum activities facilitated this coordination, ensuring that the team remained aligned and adaptive throughout the development process.
Scrum Activities: Sprint Planning. Affinity diagram & Dot voting.
Periodically, all project managers would come together to refine the product vision and gather new insights. Navigating through the interests of different parties was a challenging task. However, these collaborative sessions allowed for the continuous evolution of the Varadise Smart Site Safety System (SSSS) into a robust portfolio. The system now caters to different customers through various mediums and formations, addressing their unique requirements and contributing to the overall success of the product.
Mindmapping for Varadise Twin. Backlog Items. Epic and Feature List.
By embracing the agile development framework, Varadise has fostered collaboration, adaptability, and strategic planning, allowing the Smart Site Safety System to evolve dynamically and effectively meet the diverse needs of its customers.
Program Management
Varadise's Smart Site Safety System (SSSS) has expanded into a suite of four interconnected products, each serving distinct purposes while collectively bolstering workplace safety and efficiency. These products, Varadise Twin, Varadise DWSS, Varadise Nexus, and Varadise CDE, are designed to cater to various industries, including civil engineering, facility management, and smart city development. By carefully defining the vision and roles of each product, Varadise has successfully navigated the intricate relationships between them, enabling seamless cooperation and delivering comprehensive solutions to meet the diverse needs of their customers.
Varadise Twin - Visualize, Collaborate, and Manage
4D progress for interactive architectural sequencing; KPI Dashboards for real-time data visualization; "War Room" control room for construction site operations.
Varadise Twin serves as a powerful digital twin platform, offering advanced features such as "4D Progress" for interactive architectural sequencing, real-time data visualization, collaborative BIM design and planning, historical record tracking, AI Cameras for hazard detection, Issue Centre for incident management, BIM Data+ for interactive BIM data management, KPI Dashboards for real-time data visualization, Terrain Analysis for engineering data calculations, and a specialized "War Room" control room for construction site operations. This centralized management platform acts as the backbone for all other data sources, providing users with a comprehensive solution for visualizing spatial data and facilitating efficient project management.
Varadise DWSS - Streamlined Digital Works Supervision System
Varadise DWSS, a cross platform digital works supervision system.
The .bpmn workflow diagram of an e-form in the DWSS.
User interface for desktop application and mobile applicaiton.
Varadise DWSS is a digital works supervision system designed to manage RISC forms (Request for Inspection/Survey Check forms), a common type of engineering document. This system enables users to process digitalized documents through standardized engineering workflows. As mandated by the Technical Circular (Works) No. 3/2020 by the Development Bureau, Varadise DWSS is a mandatory product for all construction contracts exceeding pre-tender estimates of $300 million in Hong Kong. The data managed within Varadise DWSS can also be seamlessly viewed and integrated with Varadise Twin, providing a comprehensive solution for works supervision and documentation management.
Varadise Nexus - Streamlined IoT Device Management Application
User Interface of Nexus. Viewing infomation of a registered IoT sensors.
User flows of Nexus: Sensor Profile, Device Detail, User Group.
Varadise Nexus is an online configuration app that simplifies the management of IoT devices. Users can register and connect various supported IoT devices to Varadise Twin, enabling the seamless display of data on the platform. Varadise Nexus standardizes the back-end settings for the entire Varadise SSSS and facilitates API configuration with external parties. By streamlining IoT device management, Varadise Nexus enhances data integration and connectivity, ensuring efficient and effective monitoring of essential systems and devices.
Varadise CDE - Streamlined BIM Data Management Protocols
Varadise CDE (Common Data Environment) is a specialized system that adheres to ISO 19650 standards for BIM (Building Information Modeling) data management. By seamlessly integrating with Varadise Twin, Varadise CDE ensures synchronized BIM data management while offering comprehensive version control and distribution capabilities. This enables stakeholders to access and collaborate on accurate and up-to-date BIM data, ensuring streamlined workflows and improved project outcomes.
The 4 major BIM document status in ISO 19650: WIP, Shared, Published, Archive.
Comprehensive user flow of the whole CDE system.
Low fidelity prototype of Varadise CDE.
High fidelity User Interface design of Varadise CDE.
The program management of these four interrelated products presents unique challenges due to their diverse technical requirements, distinct product lifecycles, and different user groups. However, Varadise's success lies in defining the product vision for each component while avoiding overlapping roles. By carefully orchestrating the relationships between the products, Varadise has achieved a harmonious synergy akin to different organs in a human body. This coordinated approach ensures the success of the Varadise SSSS, enabling seamless collaboration among the products to deliver enhanced safety, efficiency, and data-driven insights to customers across multiple industries.
Varadise's Smart Site Safety System has evolved into a suite of interconnected products, including Varadise Twin, Varadise DWSS, Varadise Nexus, and Varadise CDE. These products cater to diverse business cases, offering advanced features, streamlined workflows, and standardized data management to enhance workplace safety and efficiency. Through careful program management and clear product visions, Varadise has achieved a harmonious collaboration among the products, delivering comprehensive solutions to meet the needs of its customers in civil engineering, facility management, and smart city development.
Industry Impact
Varadise SSSS: Recognized as Approved Vendor in Technical Circular
Varadise's Smart Site Safety System (SSSS) has achieved significant recognition within the industry, solidifying its position as a trusted and approved vendor for SSSS by the Hong Kong Development Bureau. This recognition is highlighted by its inclusion in the Technical Circular (Works) No. 3/2023, issued by the Development Bureau, which outlines the policy on the adoption of the SSSS to enhance safety management systems in public works contracts.
Development Bureau. Technical Circular (Works) No. 3/2023. "Smart Site Safety System"
The Technical Circular emphasizes the importance of adopting SSSS to improve safety performance in construction projects. By implementing the Varadise SSSS, contractors can monitor high-risk construction activities in real-time, identify potential hazards, and promptly take necessary mitigation actions. The system's capabilities, including smart safety devices, a communication network, and a centralized management platform, provide a comprehensive solution for data analysis, alerts generation, and effective follow-up actions.
According to the Technical Circular, all capital works contracts with an estimated contract sum exceeding $30 million are required to adopt the SSSS. This policy demonstrates the Hong Kong government's commitment to ensuring safety excellence and promoting the use of advanced technology in the construction industry. The Technical Circular also encourages the adoption of the SSSS in other types of public works contracts, such as maintenance and term contracts, with a contract sum exceeding $30 million.
The Varadise SSSS has been integrated into the industry standard, as outlined in the sample contract provisions provided in Annexes A, B, and C of the Technical Circular. These provisions offer guidance on selecting suitable smart safety devices and ensure the cost of implementing the SSSS remains reasonable, with an estimated cost not exceeding $10 million or 1% of the estimated contract sum.
The inclusion of the Varadise SSSS in the Technical Circular highlights its compliance with ISO 19650 standards for BIM data management and its contribution to the overall safety performance assessment of contractors. Contractors' performance in the adoption, implementation, and maintenance of the SSSS is reflected in the Report on Contractor's Performance, further reinforcing the importance of the system in enhancing safety practices.
Varadise's achievement of becoming an approved vendor for SSSS underscores its commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet industry standards and address the evolving needs of the construction sector. As the Varadise SSSS continues to be integrated into major projects and gain recognition from regulatory bodies, it solidifies its position as a leading solution for ensuring enhanced safety management in the construction industry.
