Overview
Designed a comprehensive needs assessment to evaluate how fire inspectors interpret and apply fire codes in real-world inspections. The project focused on identifying performance gaps and defining a data-driven foundation for targeted training improvements.
Role: Instructional Designer
Methods: Interviews, surveys, observations, scenario-based assessment
Timeline: 3 months
Problem / Need
Fire inspectors demonstrated strong knowledge of written codes but struggled to apply them consistently in complex inspection scenarios. This gap resulted in inconsistent enforcement, overlooked violations, and delays, ultimately impacting public safety and regulatory effectiveness.
Analysis
To understand the root of the performance gap, I designed a mixed-methods assessment targeting multiple stakeholders, including new and experienced inspectors, supervisors, and community partners.
Key analysis methods included:
- Ride-alongs and direct observation of inspections
- Interviews and focus groups with inspectors and leadership
- Survey measuring confidence in code interpretation and enforcement
- Review of past inspection reports to identify recurring issues
- Scenario-based assessments to evaluate real-world decision-making
This approach ensured both quantitative trends and qualitative insights were captured.
Design Strategy
Rather than assuming training was the solution, I structured the project to first diagnose the problem.
Key decisions included:
- Prioritizing real-world performance over theoretical knowledge
- Using scenario-based assessments to evaluate applied decision-making
- Combining multiple data sources to validate findings
- Including external stakeholders to understand downstream impact
This ensured that any future training recommendations would directly address actual performance breakdowns.
Solution
Delivered a full needs assessment proposal that defined:
- Clear objectives aligned to performance gaps
- A structured data collection and analysis plan
- Assessment instruments, including observation checklists, interview protocols, and a confidence-based survey
- Phased implementation timeline
- Data-driven recommendations for targeted training improvements
The solution positioned the organization to improve inspection consistency, decision-making confidence, and overall enforcement effectiveness.
Evaluation & Reflection
This project demonstrates a systematic approach to solving performance problems by identifying root causes before designing solutions.
What worked:
- Strong alignment between data collection methods and real-world performance
- Emphasis on applied skills rather than theoretical knowledge
- Structured, multi-source analysis
What I would improve:
- Introduce a visual summary of the assessment workflow
- Further streamline cost and logistical details for stakeholder presentations
This project reinforces my ability to approach complex problems methodically and design solutions grounded in evidence, not assumption.