Sustainable Oceans Something of a Primer and a Guide to this Resource Module

The brief you have ben assigned to solve relates directly to themes of sustainability, environmental justice, and the health of our oceans and coastlines. The UX Research Process requires breadth and depth of understanding of key issues pertaining to the product or experience you have been asked to design.

In order to help you get a head start, I have created a resource folder with links to key information sources that will be useful.

Now, these are starting points. You need to look beyond the resources I'm sharing with you and build a knowledge bank all of your own. I highly encourage you to share these resources on our Slack Channel. They'll be helpful to others and you will benefit from the resources shared by others.

Some of the links to ocean-minded environmental groups will inform you of ways you can become active in your local area. Through clean-ups, for example. Join in, get to know the groups and their mission. Become an environmental champion and help to preserve our coastline and ocean life.

We're in the Line-Up, What Next?

I guess you'd like to know what's in the Module Folder so here goes.

The first section takes you to the client's own material on sustainability. You'll get to see their work on raising awareness about a healthy planet and read a story on Rip Curl's new line of sustainable surf wear (neoprene keeps you warm but, boy, does it damage the planet!).

The second section invites you to explore coastal erosion. These are resources taken from a wide variety of governmental organizations and online information tools. There's a case study on New Orleans - coastal erosion is a really big issue there. And ways to protect the marine environment. You should find material here to include in your product.

The third section looks at water and the environment with a broader brush. Find out about water health and pollution. Hopefully, you'll investigate issues of environmental justice as you become intrigued by the issues affecting water as a result of drought and industry negligence. You'll also find a link to the University's labs at Moss Landing. If you haven't been there - do! Grab a kayak or a paddleboard and explore the tidal inland waterways with an abundance of wildlife and flora. Also look at how coastal erosion and ocean health is impacting on this ecological gemstone right on your doorstep.

The fourth section lists a number of documentaries (links to trailers for two of them and the Netflix page for a third one) that are alternatives to the controversial Seaspiracy (which you should also watch).

The fifth section lists organizations here and the UK that care for the ocean environment. You'll find links to their websites, blog posts and stories. Follow up on these.

The sixth section links you directly to advertising campaigns (conducted pro-bono by big name agencies) for some of these organizations. Explore advertising related to ocean health and sustainability as well as surf brands to find common messaging and connections.

Finally, the seventh section highlights various apps that have been produced by some of the ocean activist organizations listed above. This should give you some idea of what's out there.

But don't think of these resources as final ... keep exploring and sharing.

You've Caught the Wave. Ride it!

The research you conduct at this stage, with this module as a starting point, will help you figure out what the important issues are and how you may want to present them. The material you find will provide you with content for your product - whatever that may end up being. This research will help you launch your creative ideas from a strong foundation of knowledge, empathy and understanding.

Keep notes and a research folder. Fill it!