Empowering ocean communities to track marine life reproduction
The Tama no te Tairoto app is a mobile tool that enables fishers, divers, and people living near the lagoon to report marine species’ reproductive events. By collecting this data, the app helps identify when and where spawning occurs, supporting both research and conservation efforts. My role as UX Designer was to create an experience that makes data collection accessible, engaging, and scientifically useful.
Organization
Tama no te Tairoto
Project Type
Mobile App
Role
Sole UX/UI Designer
Tools
Figma
The Problem
Tama no te Tairoto association needed a more efficient way to collect and manage data from community members observing coral spawning. Previously, this was done through a shared Google Form, which limited accessibility, clarity, and user engagement.
User Interviews
I conducted interviews with three key contributors from the Tama no te Tairoto network to better understand their needs, behaviors, and expectations:
Insights & Pain Points
Contributors are motivated and committed
But forms were hard to fill on mobile
Centralizing data was difficult
Multiple sources and unstructured submissions made consolidation a challenge
Not all contributors are species experts
Uncertainty in species ID made some hesitant to submit data
Wireframing
I created low-fidelity wireframes to test key flows like submitting an observation. The goal was to ensure clarity, ease of use, and quick access to core features before refining the UI.
Prototyping & Testing
I created an interactive prototype to simulate key user flows, especially the observation submission process. Usability testing with 3 members of the Tama No Tairoto association provided valuable feedback. Their input helped us refine the flow, reducing unnecessary steps, and improving confirmation after submission.
Results & Impact
+100 downloads since launch, showing strong initial interest from the community.
Improved data quality with photo uploads and structured inputs enabling easier validation and analysis
Strengthened association credibility with a digital solution that supports ongoing research and awareness
Lessons Learned
Start simple, scale gradually
Starting with a focused use case (coral spawning) made it easier to define flows and build a solid MVP
User-centered iteration is key
Feedback from community members helped uncover challenges like poor mobile usability and the need for photo uploads.
Local collaboration drives relevance
Working closely with Tama no te Tairoto ensured the app matched real community needs and built trust among users.
