top of page

Reefs at Risk

My thesis takes a deep dive into the Florida reef system where the corals have been impacted by forces of climate change caused by human behavior. Through research from scientific articles and books this project highlights the main issues that affect the reefs. This interactive site focuses on environmental subjects ranging from human pollution and warming water temperatures to dangerous chemicals that negatively affect corals. This website tells a story about the reefs through a digital narrative that allows people to explore the issues and understand the harm that can be done by human beings. This narrative will show how pivotal it is to take care of the natural reef system in Florida. The Interactive website shows the horrors of what is taking place on the reef through photos and text. My project is intended for those who are looking to learn about the reefs or young adults advocating for the reefs in Florida. Reefs at Risk exposes what goes on beneath the surface and shows the urgency of how everyday people can make a powerful impact in taking care of the reefs.

sabrinaburdick_reefsatrisk_2_edited.jpg
hangline quote_edited.jpg
sabrinaburdick_reefsatrisk_01.jpg
sabrinaburdick_reefsatrisk_02_edited.jpg

Problem 

Problem 

Many educational sites are bland and do not go into details on how the reefs in Florida are being affected. In many cases the websites are not interactive or engaging to their audience.

Many educational sites are bland and do not go into details on how the reefs in Florida are being affected. In many cases the websites are not interactive or engaging to their audience.

Approach 

Reefs at Risk offers an inside look into the reefs in Florida through the use of detailed photos and scientific research. This website uses interactions to enhance the viewer's experience and knowledge.

Objectives 

Provide up to date information that is useful to the user and how they can be more mindful of their actions.  Use scientific data to display information in a striking manner. 

Incorporate meaningful photos that resonate with the viewers emotions and cause them to make changes in their daily life. Have text that makes the viewer think about what can be done in the future. 

Constructing the website to be interactive in order to captivate viewers' attention. Create an engaging and fun atmosphere that lets the user explore Reefs at Risk.

User Persona 

fortune-vieyra-qC7jvmbEmRQ-unsplash.jpg

Sean Perkins 

33 / male / military recruiter / Seattle, Washington

Sean is an extroverted person who enjoys the company of his friends and loves traveling for his job. He lives for environmental change and meeting new people. In his free time, he loves to read about recent scientific breakthroughs and enjoys hiking new locations. 

Goals 

travel the world

travel the world

travel the world

meet new people

new adventures

climate change and plastic pollution 

Frustrations 

travel on a buget

promotion at work

carbon emissions

Brands 

Photo by Fortune Vieyra on Unsplash

Comparative Analysis 

Interactive Exploration of Coral Bleaching 

Vital Signs of the Planet

Margaret Wertheim

Crochet Coral Reef

Bio Interactive uses video and photo enhancements to show a majority of the information. All information is displayed in a very organized hierarchy and overall straightforward manner. 

Uses the most recent scientific information to show the viewer the urgency of climate change. Does not provide an in depth look into why climate change occurs, only shows time lapse of increasing surface temperature. 

Provides the viewer with an atmosphere that makes them feel part of the eco system. Can see up close and personal the beauty of the coral reefs. 

Text

Information Flowchart 

project 4 interactive - Frame 8 (1)_edit

Information flowchart helps me think about how information will be displayed to the viewer. Based on the problems the chart shows the three major categories; how reefs affect us, environmental impacts and how we can help. Each section is broken down into smaller subcategories to help fully explain the topic.

Flowchart shows how the user will follow each separate step in order to go through each screen. 

Process Flowchart

project 4 interactive - Frame 9 (1).jpg

Wireframes

Thesis (1)_edited.jpg

Wireframes

Thesis (3)_edited.jpg

Interactions

bottom of page