Plasti Sea
UI/UX, illustrations, app design
Description
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The Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre in Queenscliff, Victoria, is an educational facility under the Victorian Fisheries Authority. It offers on-site education and eco-tourism services about the Victorian coast's plants and animals. Amid the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, MFDC closed doors to school groups and needed to create an application to teach young children about plastic pollution.
The task
To create digital educational experiences that engage students from a distance while transcending the screen interface for memorable learning outcomes.
Service coverage
Define product, user research, conceptualisation, interface design.
My role​
Research
Illustrations
Product design
Team member
Individual project
Target audience
Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre (MFDC), Victorian Fisheries Authority
Software used
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe XD
Project duration
8 weeks, 2021
Sectors
Design
Sustainability
Design
Virtual site research
Goals
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Discover the services and programs available on-site.
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Brainstorm how physical programs can be reimagined and transformed virtually.
Methods
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Remote client consultation
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Desk research of MFDC website
Problem statement
Prior to the COVID-19 lockdown, schools and educational programs were traditionally conducted physically. Due to unforeseen circumstances and social distancing, all activities were moved online. How might we introduce virtual learning whilst incorporating physical activities in an educational context and foster prolonged learning.
Opportunities
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Remote learning: Due to COVID-19, schools and educational programs that were traditionally conducted in physical settings were all transitioned online. This project introduces the opportunities for the transformation of workshops and tours into digital experiences.
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Timeless and instant updates: Online exhibitions offer the advantage of continuous content updates. As curricula evolve and new materials are introduced, information can be readily uploaded, a convenience that contrasts with the challenges of updating printed materials and associated activities.
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Multimedia and interactivity: The potential exists to enhance engagement through the incorporation of multimedia and interactive elements, including brief audio or video clips and animations.
Challenges
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Learning accuracy: Remote learning presents a notable challenge for children due to the absence of in-person engagement with both peers and educators, whereby the quality of learning achievements is profoundly influenced by self-discipline and intrinsic motivation.
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Time constraints: Formerly, the MFDC had not undertaken the conversation of in-person tours into digital formats. The unparalleled COVID-19 lockdown highlighted a dearth of prior exposure to remote learning, resulting in potential lacunae in cirriculum delivery and constrained student engagement.
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Gamification: Gamification was specifically ruled out as it can be ineffective if not implemented correctly. Incorrect usage may distract students from the core learning objectives and lead to a focus on rewards rather than instrinsic motivation learn.
Design outcomes
Plastic definition
Understanding the different varities of plastics can be confusing even for adults. The onboarding process combines interesting graphics and short descriptions as an introduction to the topic, mimicing the in-person activities students would experience at the MFDC.
Plastic audit
The key to successful learning and building healthy lifestyle through habit reinforcement. Inclusive of a plastic audit activity which acts as a reminder for students to be mindful of their lifestyle and to keep a track of their plastic usage.
Interactive map
Provides real-time information on the most common plastic pollution found in Melbourne and it's surroundings. Help students to reconnect with their environment and to think beyond the screen.
DIY projects
Majority of the micro-plastics found in nature comes from single use plastics. The app has a dedicated DIY project ideas that teaches students how to reuse and recycle plastic items in an innovative way.
