Progressive Web App (PWA)

A PWA that lets you save bears

At Bureau Berg, we’re all about turning digital ambition into reality—building platforms that not only connect people but make a real difference. Our work on Bear Alert embodies this mission perfectly. It’s more than just a Progressive Web App (PWA); it’s a tool that empowers individuals to report captive bears in distress and mobilizes action to give these animals a better life.

The Challenge: A Digital Platform for Urgent Action

Bear Alert was created to address a critical issue—captive bears suffering in inadequate conditions. Whether it’s illegal captivity, mistreatment, or unsuitable living environments, these animals often go unnoticed or unreported. The challenge was clear: How can we empower people to report cases quickly and easily, and ensure Bear Alert can take swift action to help these animals?

The platform needed to:

• Be highly accessible to users in any situation, on any device.

• Allow for easy, quick reporting of bears in distress.

• Ensure that the Bear Alert team could access reports and respond immediately.

• Function smoothly even in low-connectivity environments, as many sightings may happen in remote areas.

Given these requirements, building a Progressive Web App (PWA) was the ideal solution. PWAs offer app-like features with the simplicity and accessibility of a website—perfect for engaging users who need a fast, seamless experience.

The Solution: Why Bear Alert Chose a PWA

Progressive Web Apps combine the speed and convenience of websites with the functionality of native mobile apps. For Bear Alert, a PWA was the most effective solution to help users report captive bears and allow the organization to take timely action.

Here’s why:

• Accessibility: The app is accessible to anyone with an internet connection, no matter what device they’re using. There’s no need for users to download a native app, making it fast and easy to use.

• Real-Time Reporting: Instant push notifications allow the Bear Alert team to receive reports in real time, helping them act quickly in cases of urgent need.

• Offline Capability: In remote areas, where connectivity can be a challenge, the app still works. Users can submit a report, and it will be sent once they regain connectivity.

• User-Friendly Interface: It was crucial that the app be intuitive and easy to navigate, so people of all tech abilities could report bears without any hassle.

Key Features of Bear Alert PWA

We built the Bear Alert PWA with a focus on speed, simplicity, and reliability, making sure users could report issues with captive bears quickly and effectively.

1. Seamless Reporting Process

The core feature of Bear Alert is its streamlined reporting system. Users can submit a report in just a few clicks—whether it’s via desktop or mobile—uploading images and details about the bear’s condition. The intuitive form allows for quick reporting, with fields designed to capture the most essential information without overwhelming the user.

2. Offline Functionality

Recognizing that many sightings might occur in areas with poor connectivity, we incorporated offline functionality into the PWA. This allows users to fill out a report even when they’re offline, and the data is automatically sent once they’re back online.

3. Push Notifications for Immediate Action

We implemented push notifications to alert the Bear Alert team as soon as a report comes in. This ensures that urgent cases are dealt with immediately. The notifications also inform the user when their report has been received and is being processed, creating a sense of real-time engagement.

4. Responsive Design

The PWA is fully responsive, meaning it works across all devices—whether users are on a smartphone in the field, a tablet at home, or a desktop in the office. This ensures that Bear Alert is always accessible, no matter where the user is or what device they’re using.

The Technical Approach

We built the Bear Alert PWA using the latest in web technology, to ensure that it is fast, secure, and reliable. The app was developed using React.js, and we integrated service workers to ensure offline capability and fast loading times. Push notifications were handled through the Push API, and local storage was utilized to ensure that user data could be stored and sent when the device regained connectivity.

At the backend, we used  the 'Headless' Strapi CMS which enabled us to create API endpoints. 

The Results: Saving Bears, One Report at a Time

Since its launch, Bear Alert has seen growing engagement from users across the globe. People are now more empowered to take action when they see captive bears in distress, knowing that Bear Alert will step in to help. The app has become a critical tool in the fight to rescue bears from poor conditions and ensure they are relocated to sanctuaries where they can live healthier lives.

But this isn’t just about the numbers. The real success of Bear Alert is measured by the lives it’s saving—helping individual bears escape abusive or unsuitable environments. Each report is a chance to change an animal’s life, and the Bear Alert PWA makes that possible.

Why Your Organization Needs a PWA

Bear Alert is proof of how transformative a Progressive Web App (PWA) can be. Whether your organization is looking to streamline processes, increase user engagement, or simply provide a more accessible, reliable platform, PWAs offer an ideal solution.

At Bureau Berg, we’re passionate about creating digital experiences that go beyond expectations. A PWA can empower your business to take action, engage users, and build meaningful impact—all while delivering the seamless experience today’s users demand.

Ready to make your digital ambitions a reality? Let’s talk about how a PWA can elevate your organization and help you achieve your goals.