What I Built - A Scenario-Based Knowledge Check for Rail Industry Employees

I developed a gamified knowledge check using Storyline 360 as the capstone assessment for Loram's Know Before You Go (KBYG) eLearning curriculum.

Loram is a global rail maintenance and infrastructure company that provides specialized equipment, technology, and services to railroads around the world. Because many employees travel to remote job sites and work in safety-critical environments, KBYG was created to help employees understand what to expect before arriving on a project and ensure they are prepared to work safely and effectively.

The knowledge check is the final component of a broader eLearning curriculum I built consisting of multiple modules that cover travel readiness, safety expectations, worksite preparation, and operational requirements. After completing the curriculum, employees demonstrate their understanding through this gamified assessment experience.

Rather than using a traditional quiz format, the knowledge check incorporates game mechanics, scenario-based decision making, and visual progression to increase engagement and retention. Learners apply what they've learned by making realistic choices they may encounter before reporting to a job site.

What Makes It Unique

Many safety knowledge checks rely on straightforward multiple-choice questions. This design shifts the focus from memorization to decision-making by placing learners in realistic situations that require them to apply KBYG principles.

The gamified format increases engagement while still ensuring that critical safety expectations remain the primary focus. It also supports learner confidence by allowing them to practice decisions in a low-risk environment before arriving on a job site.

Unlike a standalone assessment, this knowledge check serves as the culmination of an entire learning journey. The scenarios and challenges are designed to reinforce concepts introduced throughout the KBYG curriculum, allowing employees to apply knowledge from multiple modules in a realistic context.

Behind the Scenes

The project was developed in Articulate Storyline and built around adult learning principles, specifically active participation and contextual learning.

Techniques used included:

• Variables and triggers to track learner decisions.
• Layer-based feedback for immediate coaching.
• Scenario writing based on real operational situations.
• Visual design that aligns with Loram branding and the rail industry environment.

One challenge was balancing engagement with simplicity. The experience needed to feel like a game without distracting from the safety-critical content. To address this, game elements were used to support learning outcomes rather than compete with them.

Purpose and Design Intent

The purpose of the activity is to improve learner readiness before travel and field assignment by reinforcing key KBYG concepts in an engaging format.

The design encourages learners to think through real-world situations, recognize potential risks, and make informed decisions before arriving on site. By replacing passive review with active application, the activity helps strengthen confidence and knowledge retention.

Broader Applications

Although this example was created for KBYG training, the design approach can be applied to a wide range of topics, including:

• Safety training
• Compliance programs
• New hire onboarding
• Leadership development
• Operational procedures
• Equipment certification programs

Any training that requires learners to apply knowledge and make decisions can benefit from this gamified, scenario-based approach.