College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Construction Management Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Construction Management
Date
6-2025
Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Stacy Kolegraff, College of Architecture and Enviromental Design, Construction Management Department
Abstract/Summary
This paper presents the organizational framework and logistical planning involved in executing the 2025 Verifying Everyone’s Safety Together (V.E.S.T.) Hackathon, an annual innovation workshop hosted by the Construction Management Department at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. The event brings together students, faculty, and industry professionals to reimagine and redesign common construction equipment with a focus on safety, usability, comfort, and inclusivity across diverse user profiles. The 2025 hackathon, held April 15–16, concentrated on safety harnesses, an essential component of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the construction industry. Participants engaged in the two-day event that included conceptualization, prototyping, and testing. The hackathon was held in two spaces, a design zone equipped with materials for prototype modification, and a testing area that simulated fall conditions to evaluate harness performance in real time. This configuration enabled participants to iteratively assess and refine their concepts based on both theoretical input and firsthand experimentation. At the conclusion of the event, three distinct prototype harnesses were produced by the groups to fit variations in body type, gender, and size. The collective outcome displays the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in driving forward practical, user-focused safety innovations within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sectors.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/879
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