The Ocean Under Pressure
An educational digital experience combining UI/UX, visual storytelling, and motion design to make complex environmental issues engaging and accessible for children.
About the Project
The Ocean Under Pressure was developed as an exam project exploring how interactive design can communicate complex environmental issues to children aged 9–12. Based on the theme "The Ocean Under Pressure," the task was to create a digital learning experience that combined visual identity, user experience, and interactive communication.
My project focuses on ghost nets - abandoned fishing gear that continues trapping and harming marine life long after it has been discarded. Through research into marine conservation and educational design, I developed the concept of "making the invisible visible," presenting ghost nets as hidden dangers beneath the ocean's surface.
The final solution combines editorial-inspired web design, UX principles, and a short explainer video to translate a complex environmental issue into an engaging experience that encourages curiosity, understanding, and action.
Research and Concept Development
The project began with extensive research into both marine conservation and educational communication. Drawing on sources from DTU, WWF, and Videnskab.dk, I explored how ghost nets continue to threaten marine ecosystems while remaining largely invisible to the public.
This research informed the central concept of "the ocean's invisible traps." Rather than presenting the issue through statistics alone, I framed ghost nets as a modern ghost story - using narrative and visual metaphor to create emotional engagement while maintaining scientific credibility. The experience was designed to guide users from curiosity and discovery to understanding and ultimately a desire to protect the ocean.
UX and Visual Design
Designing for children required balancing clarity, playfulness, and engagement. The interface combines a modular bento grid with editorial layout principles, allowing users to explore content at their own pace while maintaining a clear visual hierarchy.
The visual identity uses deep ocean blues contrasted with warm accent colours to create an atmosphere that feels both immersive and approachable. Carefully selected typography, colour, and composition work together to support readability while reinforcing the project's narrative and educational goals.
Explainer Video
Alongside the digital experience, I created a short explainer video introducing ghost nets as hidden threats beneath the ocean's surface. The film combines motion graphics and storytelling to simplify a complex environmental issue without losing its seriousness.
Using Photoshop and After Effects, I developed a visual style that balances suspense with optimism, encouraging children to better understand the problem while ending with a hopeful call to action. The video complements the website by transforming research into an engaging narrative that is easy to understand and remember.
