Squeak! Save dolphins in captivity

Goal

Outcome

Research

Design

Prototype

Evaluate

Finding

Takeaway

Squeak!

Squeak is an augmented reality (AR) experience designed to help teach children about dolphin captivity.
By chatting with a virtual dolphin at an ocean-themed park, kids can get immersed in its story and find out ways to take action to prevent misdeed.

The project is a Master’s thesis project at the Interactive Telecommunication Program (ITP) at New York University (NYU).

PROJECT Timeline

Oct 2021 – May 2022

Responsibilities

UX research and analysis
Chatbot interaction design
AR programming

Tools

Unity AR
Google Dialogflow

Link to thesis page

01. Problem statement

400 and 3029: the number of dolphins held in captivity in the US and around the world. Captured, transferred, or bred for use in ocean theme parks, these dolphins are confined in tanks for entertainment purposes. Despite continual efforts from activists, journalists, and others, this modern slavery persists today.

We must find an effective solution to address this problem, especially for children who can make the greatest influence, by providing interactions tailored to them.

02. Solution

I developed an AR app for children to have conversation-based interaction with a virtual dolphin. The story was designed using real data from a captive dolphin and it provides various AR interactions to capture children’s attention and involvement. Not only does it create an emotional bond with the kids, but it also makes pledging for change fun.

Key interactions

Learn through conversation

Talk to dolphins and discover their stories of captivity

Explore scales and animations

Demonstrate the size of dolphins and their various movements

Immerse with environmental factors

Compare the size of the dolphin’s tank to the space around the children

Create an interactive petition

Show the importance of action to create change. Make the petition visible and enjoyable

Learn by conversing