Protecting Our Planet with Technology
Save Sharks & The Ocean
Institution
The University of Sydney
Master of Interaction Design and Electronic Arts
My Deliverables
UX & Installation Design, Background & User Research, User Testing, Low-Fidelity & High-Fidelity Prototyping
Tools
Figma, Miro, Procreate, Photoshop, Illustrator & InDesign
Timeline
10 weeks
Team
Min Kim: Product Designer
(Industrial design background)
Giselle Yao: Data Analyst
(ICT background)
Florence Zhu: Architecture Student
(Architecture background)
Ruby Pan: UX Researcher
(Interior design background)
Inspiration & Challenge
“Change the public’s perception of sharks and raise awareness of shark species population decline.”
The inspiration for this project came from watching the documentary film called Seaspiracy, which shed light on the environmental impact of fishing. It raised a fundamental question in my mind:
“Why aren't people adequately motivated to protect shark species, considering their vital role in our ecosystem and for humanity as a whole?”
Recognising the significance of this issue, I proposed to my team that we delve deeper into the topic and explore potential solutions from a designer's perspective.
The inspiration for this project came from watching the documentary film called Seaspiracy, which shed light on the environmental impact of fishing. It raised a fundamental question in my mind:
“Why aren't people adequately motivated to protect shark species, considering their vital role in our ecosystem and for humanity as a whole?”
Recognising the significance of this issue, I proposed to my team that we delve deeper into the topic and explore potential solutions from a designer's perspective.
Source: SSPA & Seaspiracy
My Role
I conducted extensive background research on shark species and their role in the ecosystem. This research provided a foundation for further user research, which involved conducting interviews and surveys to gather valuable insights. I collaborated closely with my team to extract and analyse the critical findings from the research.
During the design process, I was responsible for developing both low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototypes. These prototypes were informed by the key insights and data gathered by my colleagues, Giselle and Ruby. Through continuous critique and collaboration with the team, we were able to refine and develop the prototypes successfully.
Solution & Impact
Save Sharks & The Ocean is an installation featuring digital interactive screens that detect the audience's movement. It is strategically installed in popular and iconic locations such as Bondi Beach, near the Opera House, or the Aquatic Museum. The installation aims to raise awareness about the decline in shark populations, which poses a significant threat to our oceans and humanity.
The design allows the audience to play as a shark swimming in the ocean. They encounter various threats, including net and harpoon fishing by humans. Through this immersive experience, the installation aims to evoke empathy for the challenges faced by sharks in their daily lives. It also provides educational content on how the decline of sharks can impact our ecosystem and emphasises the importance of protecting them.
The design allows the audience to play as a shark swimming in the ocean. They encounter various threats, including net and harpoon fishing by humans. Through this immersive experience, the installation aims to evoke empathy for the challenges faced by sharks in their daily lives. It also provides educational content on how the decline of sharks can impact our ecosystem and emphasises the importance of protecting them.
Mockup: View the details in the *Final Design Section below
DESIGN PROCESS
Background Research
Sharks were initially exploited for various purposes, including their meat, oil, skin, and fins. However, the high demand for shark fins has led to overfishing and the cruel practice of shark finning, where fins are removed and the live shark is discarded to die. Sharks are particularly vulnerable to overexploitation due to their slow growth and recovery rates. Estimating the actual number of sharks caught is challenging due to non-regulatory behaviour and malpractices in the industry. Attempts to implement shark-related policies have proven ineffective due to difficulties in enforcement under singular government systems. Prohibiting practices alone does not solve the problem and can drive the market underground, exacerbating the issue and further endangering sharks.
User Research
Afterwards, we accomplished user research to gain insight into the overall perception of sharks. We employed the User Survey to gather quantitative data, which received 157 responses and conducted Qualitative Interviews with 16 participants to obtain more in-depth insights. The participants were carefully chosen from diverse backgrounds to ensure a wide range of perspectives, allowing us to generate more robust and promising design solutions.
Based on the key findings from the previous research, we developed User Profiles and four Personas with diverse traits and backgrounds. These enabled us to gain a deeper understanding of our potential users, which in turn helped us generate more promising design solutions for the problem.
System Requirements & Ideations
Synthesising the insights gathered from the previous research, my team and I identified several key requirements for the design solution. These requirements cover different aspects, such as the functionality of the design, contextual considerations, and external constraints.
Considering all the data and essential requirements gathered from our activities, we generated numerous ideas using techniques like Crazy 8s, Brain-Writing, and Mind-Mapping. We then selected the most promising design concept and developed it further with Low and High-Fidelity Prototypes. Throughout this process, we incorporated user insights obtained from user testing sessions, including the Think Aloud Protocol, SUS Questionnaire, and User Interviews. The feedback from the last user testing was overwhelmingly positive, with 96.25% of participants finding the design effective in conveying its purpose and helpful for learning about the issues sharks are facing and their importance to our ecosystem.
Considering all the data and essential requirements gathered from our activities, we generated numerous ideas using techniques like Crazy 8s, Brain-Writing, and Mind-Mapping. We then selected the most promising design concept and developed it further with Low and High-Fidelity Prototypes. Throughout this process, we incorporated user insights obtained from user testing sessions, including the Think Aloud Protocol, SUS Questionnaire, and User Interviews. The feedback from the last user testing was overwhelmingly positive, with 96.25% of participants finding the design effective in conveying its purpose and helpful for learning about the issues sharks are facing and their importance to our ecosystem.
Potential Locations & User Journey Maps
Beaches such as Bondi, Manly, and Coogee, which have an international reputation and are popular tourist spots in Sydney, would be excellent choices for the Final Design, especially during the summer season. Additionally, many participants from user interviews expressed a desire to see the installation in a museum, aquarium, or near the Opera House, as these locations have high audience visibility and appeal. Since our project aims to educate audiences about the challenges sharks face today, placing the installation in a museum or aquarium would provide an ideal setting for reaching and engaging with a diverse audience.
Drawing upon all the key insights from the previous research, we created User Journey Maps to visualise and identify users' experiences, pain points, and opportunities. This data-driven mapping helped us understand users' needs and emotions, leading to more user-centric design decisions.
FINAL DESIGN
Save Sharks & the Ocean is an interactive shark survival game that immerses players in the perspective of a shark, challenging them to navigate treacherous situations such as encounters with fishing nets and spears. The installation incorporates motion sensors, heightening the immersive experience. It's versatile, capable of being implemented across various digital screens or devices, including Mobile, Kiosk, Tablet, and more.
Through engaging with the game, users gain a deeper understanding of the daily challenges sharks encounter, fostering empathy and offering valuable opportunities to learn more about these incredible creatures. This experience also highlights the significance of ocean conservation efforts.
Through engaging with the game, users gain a deeper understanding of the daily challenges sharks encounter, fostering empathy and offering valuable opportunities to learn more about these incredible creatures. This experience also highlights the significance of ocean conservation efforts.
Reflection: What did I learn from this project?
This project marked my first experience using various Design Thinking techniques and understanding their significance in Human-Centered Design at the University of Sydney. While the unit coordinator and tutors offered valuable knowledge and professionalism, they didn't spoon-feed us, requiring us to be highly creative in choosing the appropriate Design Thinking methods at each stage of the project.
Through sincere feedback from users and tutors, as well as thorough data analysis, we successfully produced several data-driven outcomes, significantly streamlining our design process. This invaluable opportunity taught me how to effectively apply diverse Design Thinking methodologies in specific situations, resulting in achieving high marks in the unit.
Through sincere feedback from users and tutors, as well as thorough data analysis, we successfully produced several data-driven outcomes, significantly streamlining our design process. This invaluable opportunity taught me how to effectively apply diverse Design Thinking methodologies in specific situations, resulting in achieving high marks in the unit.