WhaleQuest

Project
Presentation

wireframing

Progressive wireframing in Figma, incorporating internal feedback at each stage.

user testing

External user testing to validate designs and identify areas for improvement.

Iterative design

Iterative design refinements based directly on user feedback.

WhaleQuest makes whale conservation engaging and accessible with real-time tracking, interactive 3D models, and simple storytelling that connects science to the public.

WhaleQuest is a whale tracking and education platform designed to connect scientific research with public engagement. Through intuitive design and visual storytelling, the project highlights my ability to create digital tools that are both impactful and accessible, blending modern UX practices with conservation-driven goals.

Client

David S. Platt

Rolling Thunder Computing, Inc.

Time

18 Weeks

Project

Breakdown

Challenge

To create a comprehensive whale tracking and education platform that bridges the gap between scientific research and public engagement, using intuitive design and storytelling to make whale conservation accessible to all.

Public engagement relied on fragmented, technical, or outdated platforms.
No central hub existed for accessible whale tracking and education.
Tools for learning were either too technical for general audiences or too simplistic for meaningful conservation impact.

Objective

Design an intuitive, user-friendly platform that connects scientific data with public interaction.
Use visual storytelling and immersive design to engage a broad audience.
Support conservation, education, and tourism by making whale data approachable and interactive.

My design responsibilities

I led the design process end-to-end, working closely with subject-matter experts and developers to ensure both accuracy and accessibility. I produced interactive prototypes, media assets, and testing deliverables to shape the final experience.

I was responsible for the following:

UX research and information architecture
Interactive prototypes in Figma
Motion and visual storytelling using After Effects and Premiere Pro
Collaboration with developers to integrate whale tracking and 3D models
Designing and presenting prototypes for user testing

Design & Iterative Testing Process

Research

The Users

The redesign process began with an in-depth UX/UI audit, followed by extensive user research to uncover key pain points, frictions and opportunities.

To understand the needs of WhaleQuest’s target users, I conducted an in-depth interview with a high school science teacher who frequently organizes field trips and incorporates interactive learning into her curriculum.

What I did

Designed and led a structured interview with open-ended questions.
Transcribed, translated, and summarized insights to ensure clarity.
Asked follow-up questions to dive deeper into teaching styles, field trip planning, and digital learning needs.

Key insights

Hands-on learning is critical: Students stay engaged when they can observe, collect data, and feel part of the discovery process.
Complex science needs context: Teachers make abstract topics (like migration) relatable through real-world comparisons, which helps information stick.
Digital tools can bridge gaps: Interactive platforms like Khan Academy or NOVA Labs show how tech can make abstract concepts engaging — but there’s a need for tools tailored to marine life and conservation.
Curiosity drives learning: Students remember experiences where they’re encouraged to ask questions and explore patterns, not just memorize facts.

Impact on WhaleQuest
These findings directly influenced the platform’s design. We prioritized:

Interactive 3D models and real-time whale tracking to replicate the hands-on experience students crave.
Story-driven species profiles to make complex concepts more relatable.
Features for educators that integrate seamlessly into lesson plans, ensuring the app is not just engaging but also classroom-ready.

Information architecture & navigation

User testing revealed that WhaleQuest’s features felt scattered as tracking, species data, and tours weren’t clearly connected. To solve this, I redesigned the sitemap with a focus on clarity and flow.

Key considerations:

Group features into 4 clear sections: Track, Learn, Experience, Conserve
Use plain language so complex science feels approachable
Guide curiosity with consistent, intuitive navigation

Final structure gave users an easy entry point (real-time tracking) while still supporting deeper exploration through species profiles, 3D models, and conservation resources.

I presented 2 iterations of wireframes to the stakeholders to align on design before working to carry out the new brand guidelines and look and feel for the new final prototype.