OceanOrb
Citizen Science at Sea: Equipping private sailboats with sensors and software enables a new, decentralized model of maritime research.
Due to the limited reach of research vessels, large areas of the ocean remain under-observed. This project introduces OceanOrb — a hybrid software-hardware platform — that enables private sailboats to engage in citizen science and contribute valuable data to marine research.
​Our software solution, OceanOrb, introduces a globe-based data visualization approach. By combining the concepts of "lighting up" and pixelated map levels, we create a unique user experience with a more intuitive and immersive global perspective --
One Globe, Three Worlds
​Explore
Sensorkit
Community
-Heatmap includes global and personal views
-Personal view adopts the same pixelated style
EXPLORE
-Every pixel corresponds to a specific area
-Smallest unit displays location details and total data
-Users gain higher access permissions to view detailed water quality data in their explored regions
-Brighter areas represent richer data and deeper understanding
-Seamless switching between global and regional views
-Zooming in reveals more detailed and precise information
Visual feedback reinforces user engagement
Data heatmap
-Data chart visualizes 6 parameters detected by sensors
-6 parameters: Oâ‚‚, COâ‚‚, conductivity, turbidity, temperature, pressure
-Dot size represents the absolute value — larger dots indicate higher values
At the bottom, scientific and contextual explanations clarify each parameter’s significance.
Data result map
EXPLORE
SENSOR KIT
Show matching status, connection status, upload rate, and power consumption
Pump's data collection frequency affects energy consumption.
Adjustable via app based on ship’s energy setup to control SensorKit usage
View collected, uploaded, and uploading data
Tap entries to see specific parameters and details.
Collected sensor data
Device status display
COMMUNITY
"Community" fosters user interaction through Feed and Campaign sections.
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Feed shares updates from scientists; Campaign invites users to join ocean projects.
Each campaign presents all project info via text and pixelated heatmap.
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Upon joining a project, users gain access to more updates.
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After completion, results are shared via institutional summaries and heatmap visualizations.
