Eco Oceans Hub
Diving into Ocean Awareness
Summary of the Project
Our project, tentatively named Eco Oceans Hub, emerged from the need to create a platform that not only educates but actively engages individuals and organizations in marine conservation efforts. The overarching goal was to develop a user-centric application that fosters knowledge sharing, encourages participation, and contributes to the global initiative of preserving our oceans.
This endeavor stemmed from recognizing the critical role that technology can play in mobilizing communities and creating awareness around marine conservation. By leveraging innovative design principles and user experience strategies, our aim was to build a platform that transcends typical educational apps and becomes a dynamic hub for marine enthusiasts, scientists, and conservationists.
The project unfolded in multiple phases, each meticulously designed to align with the overarching goal. From initial ideation to user testing and iterative improvements, we navigated through challenges and embraced opportunities, ensuring the final product reflects a harmonious balance of functionality and user delight. This case study delves into the intricacies of this design journey, presenting insights, challenges, and the collaborative efforts that shaped Eco Oceans Hub.
If you would like to explore the phone prototype, you can do so by visiting this link. For the tablet prototype click here, and for the Laptop version, here. Please note that this prototype was created using Figma, and while it showcases the main screens and user flow, as well as some extra ones to make it more playful, not all screens have been designed.
When interacting with the prototype (by clicking anywhere on the screen), you will notice certain elements turning blue—these represent active options on each page. Enjoy exploring the app prototype!
If you have any questions and/or would like to connect, feel free to reach out to me at hi@paulardb.design.
Mobile-First Design Philosophy
The design process began with a mobile-first approach, recognizing the prevalence of mobile devices in accessing digital content, especially among the “next billion users.” This approach allowed us to create a foundation that prioritizes a seamless and intuitive experience on smaller screens while ensuring adaptability to larger screens such as iPad Pro 11” and MacBook Pro 16”. This strategic decision aligns with the goal of making Eco Oceans Hub accessible to a diverse and global audience, fostering inclusivity in marine conservation efforts.
Goal Statement
Eco Oceans Hub unites scientists, communities, and organizations for ocean preservation. It enables seamless sharing of research, collaborative events, and empowers individuals for positive environmental action.
Design Process Overview
For the design journey of Eco Oceans Hub began by empathizing with the diverse needs of both scientists and community advocates. During the Five Phases of the Design process, the user was kept in the center of all decisions.
EMPATHIZE
Conducted extensive research and interacted with potential users to comprehend their unique challenges and aspirations, resulting in the creation of detailed personas and user journey maps.
DEFINE
Translated research findings into clear problem statements, ensuring a human-centered approach that focused on specific user needs. Identified key pain points and opportunities for meaningful interventions.
IDEATE
Participated in brainstorming sessions and utilized methods like crazy eight exercises to generate diverse design possibilities. Conducted competitive audits to draw insights from industry peers.
PROTOTYPE
Transformed conceptual ideas into tangible prototypes, refining iteratively based on feedback from users and two UX designers. Employed low-fidelity prototypes initially, followed by user testing, and progressed to high-fidelity prototypes.
TEST & ITERATE
Conducted usability studies with scientists and community members, actively incorporating feedback for continuous improvement. Embraced a commitment to learning from each iteration, fostering an environment where every stage contributes to a more user-centric and impactful platform.
Design Decisions and User Experience Considerations
In crafting the design decisions for Eco Oceans Hub, several key considerations were taken into account to ensure a seamless and user-friendly experience. It was a mobile-first approach, then iPad and desktop were adapted afterwards.
Intuitive Navigation
Prioritized a clear and intuitive navigation structure, featuring a hamburger menu and prominently placing the "Contribute" feature at the top. This design allows users to effortlessly explore the platform's diverse features, emphasizing a mobile-first approach for users on various devices.
Inclusive Design
Ensured inclusivity by designing features accessible to users with diverse abilities and perspectives. Prioritizing readability, clarity (including color contrast and font choice), and strict adherence to accessibility standards.
User-Centric Features
Integrated features tailored to the needs of both scientists and community members, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. The implementation of "Scientist Mode" allows verified scientists to contribute research data.
Engagement & Gamification
Balanced the integration of gamification elements to enhance user engagement while maintaining a professional and credible tone. The potential impact on the platform's overall credibility.
Visual Design
Adopted a clean and visually appealing design language with a color scheme reflecting the marine theme, maintaining readability. The gradient, reminiscent of ocean colors, and the use of iconography enhance navigation and provide a cohesive visual identity. Typography choices include the classic yet contemporary Fraunces for main titles, inspired by timeless fonts in scientific literature, and the rounded, readable Poppins for the rest of the content.
Personalized User Profiles
Developed user profiles with public and private sections, allowing users to showcase their contributions, affiliations, and impact. Striking a balance between transparency and individual user privacy.
These design decisions were guided by a commitment to creating a platform that not only meets functional requirements but also delivers a visually appealing, engaging and meaningful experience for users.
Challenges & Solutions
Balancing Gamification Elements
CHALLENGE:
Integrating gamification for user engagement without compromising the professional and credible tone required for a platform catering to scientists.
INSIGHT:
Striking the right balance between engagement and maintaining the platform's credibility was a delicate challenge.
SOLUTION — Strategic Gamification:
Adopted a strategic approach to gamification, carefully selecting elements that enhance user engagement while aligning with the scientific ethos. Elements like icons and achievements were introduced judiciously.
Ensuring Inclusivity in Design
CHALLENGE:
Creating features accessible to users with diverse abilities and perspectives
INSIGHT:
Prioritizing readability, clarity, and adherence to accessibility standards required thoughtful design decisions.
SOLUTION — Inclusive Design Principles:
Enforced inclusive design principles, ensuring features were accessible to users with diverse abilities. This involved meticulous attention to color contrast, font choices, and overall readability.
Maintaining a Professional Tone
CHALLENGE:
Embedding gamified elements while ensuring the platform retains a serious and professional tone, crucial for scientific collaboration.
INSIGHT:
Navigating the fine line between engagement and maintaining a credible atmosphere required iterative adjustments.
SOLUTION — Cohesive Visual Identity:
Maintained a cohesive visual identity by incorporating a clean and visually appealing design language. The color scheme, inspired by marine themes, struck a balance between aesthetics and functionality.
By addressing these challenges head-on, the design process not only overcomes obstacles but thrives on them. This is a commitment to problem-solving, adaptability, and an ongoing pursuit of the best user experience for both scientists and community members. The solutions implemented showcase a thoughtful consideration of the platform's unique requirements and user expectations.
Potential Impact & Results
While Eco Oceans Hub is a conceptual project that has not been developed or launched yet, its potential impact lies in fostering collaboration between marine scientists and interested communities. The platform aims to create a space where valuable scientific research can be shared with the wider community, promoting awareness and engagement in marine conservation efforts. Additionally, it serves as a means to organize scientifically-based campaigns and connect with potential organizations or individuals, fostering a collective effort in conservation. Although specific metrics and results are not available due to the project's current status, the envisioned impact is centered on the positive outcomes that could arise from a platform encouraging knowledge exchange and environmental activism.
Key Learnings
Throughout the design process, key learnings emerged, emphasizing the importance of user-centricity, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. The iterative nature of the design process allowed for adjustments based on user feedback, reinforcing the significance of usability studies and engagement with potential users. The balance between more visually captivating elements and maintaining a professional tone was a valuable lesson in creating a credible and engaging platform. The process also underscored the significance of creating a seamless experience for both scientists and community members, acknowledging the diverse needs of these user groups.
Next Steps
As a conceptual project, Eco Oceans Hub is poised for further development and refinement. The following steps outline the potential evolution of the platform:
User Research Iterations
Continued user research iterations will refine the user experience based on real-world feedback, ensuring that the platform adapts to user needs and expectations.
Development of Data Privacy Features:
The incorporation of robust data privacy features will be prioritized in the development phase, ensuring that user information is handled securely and ethically.
Integration of Additional Features
Exploring the integration of features such as discussion forums, live streaming for marine events, and a peer-review system for scientific contributions, will enhance the platform's functionality and engagement.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Building partnerships with marine research institutions, environmental organizations, and educators will contribute to the platform's credibility and expand its reach.
Accessibility Enhancements
Continued efforts will focus on enhancing accessibility, making Eco Oceans Hub inclusive for users with diverse abilities and ensuring adherence to global accessibility standards.
Public Beta Testing
Before the official launch, conducting a public beta test will allow a broader audience to interact with the platform, providing valuable insights and identifying any potential issues.
These steps reflect a commitment to continuous improvement, user-centered design, and the realization of Eco Oceans Hub as a valuable resource for marine scientists and enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
Eco Oceans Hub represents a vision for a collaborative platform bridging the gap between marine scientists and communities. While the project is currently in its conceptual stage, the design decisions, considerations, and insights gained during the process lay a foundation for a user-centric and impactful platform. The journey from empathizing with potential users to defining problems, ideating solutions, iterating and re-iterating, and prototyping reflects a commitment to creating a meaningful and engaging experience in the realm of marine conservation.