Portfolio
One Planet, One Race
A UX Design Project Through an Environmental Lens
Addressing how the escalating algae bloom threatens marine ecosystems and surrounding communities.
| UX Research | Miro Link |
|---|---|
| UI Design | Figma Link |
| Tools | Miro, Figma, Notion, |
Context & Challenge
In this individual master’s-level UX project, I explored the environmental phenomenon of algal blooms and how they threaten marine ecosystems and nearby communities. The core challenge was to translate a complex natural‑science issue into an intuitive digital experience that helps diverse audiences understand the impact, take action, and stay informed.
Research & Insights
I began by investigating how different user groups—scientists, local communities, coastal tourists—perceive and interact with information about algal blooms. This involved empathy mapping and journey‑mapping using Miro, coupled with informal user interviews. I discovered that many users felt overwhelmed by scientific data, lacked visual clarity of how blooms impact them, and missed timely, actionable alerts tailored to their context.
Research & Insights
I began by investigating how different user groups—scientists, local communities, coastal tourists—perceive and interact with information about algal blooms. This involved empathy mapping and journey‑mapping using Miro, coupled with informal user interviews. I discovered that many users felt overwhelmed by scientific data, lacked visual clarity of how blooms impact them, and missed timely, actionable alerts tailored to their context.
Design Strategy & Approach
Guided by research, I developed user personas and scenario flows to highlight varying user needs—from a researcher tracking bloom patterns to a coastal resident seeking health warnings and actionable steps. Using Figma, I designed a responsive web prototype focused on visual clarity, intuitive interaction, and accessibility. Key features included an interactive map of affected areas, simplified alerts, and multilingual content for users from different backgrounds.
Prototyping & Validation
I created high‑fidelity prototypes in Figma and used usability feedback sessions to refine the design. By testing with potential users, I improved navigation, increased visual contrast for better accessibility, and tailored the interface to support users with lower digital literacy through prominent call‑to‑action buttons and clear iconography.
Outcome & Reflection
The final prototype effectively transformed a complex environmental topic into an engaging, user‑friendly experience that supports awareness and action. This project strengthened my ability to combine strategic UX thinking with elegant interaction design, emphasizing both accessibility and responsive design. It reaffirmed my commitment to designing meaningful digital solutions that connect with real‑world challenges.
