Participatory Action Research for transforming disaster preparedness into a widespread, everyday practice — a TÜBİTAK 2515 and COST Action affiliated project.

What if getting ready for an earthquake felt less like a chore and more like a game? That’s the question behind a new research project led from Kadir Has University’s Visual Communication Design department. Instead of handing people another checklist, the team is co-designing a mobile app that turns preparedness into small, rewarding, everyday actions — packing a go-bag, stocking water, knowing your building — levelling up as you go.

About the project

The project is a Participatory Action Research study aimed at popularizing earthquake preparedness through gamification.

It sits within the framework of the COST Action Grassroots of Digital Europe (GRADE, CA21141), engaging with creative computing studies. In practice, that means the people who will use the app help shape it from the very start.

The goal: a game that gets you ready

The team is developing a mobile gamification application for earthquake preparedness, covering both the pre- and post-earthquake phases. The app aims to trigger user motivation through personalization and customization, so preparedness fits each person’s own life.

The project’s sketches hint at how it could work:

• Levels — a winding path through stages (L1 to L4), each one a step further in readiness.
• Points for supplies — small rewards (5 points each) for essentials like a torch, spare clothes and drinking water.
• The go-bag — collected items fill an emergency backpack.
• Badges — achievements for community action and for making your building safer.

Designed with the community, not just for it

The study is funded by TÜBİTAK (the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye) through its 2515 track, which supports projects by COST Action Management Committee and working group members.

It takes a participant-centred perspective aligned with GRADE’s research goals, applying a collaborative method for grassroots participation. Through co-design activities, the design research team aims to democratize communication technology by involving marginalized and discriminated groups in the creative design of the app.

The idea is simple: the people most at risk in a disaster should have a say in the tools meant to protect them.

Meet the team

The project brings together design, medicine, earth science, psychology and theatre.

A project of the Kadir Has University Visual Communication Design Department.

Further reading:

• Kadir Has University: project announcement (also in Turkish)
• Acıbadem University DAPSİS: project record (in Turkish; English via Google Translate)
• COST Action CA21141: Grassroots of Digital Europe (GRADE)
• GRADE community on Zenodo