Burrowing Owl Conservation

How I Built Digital Bridges Between Researchers and the Public

0 -> 1 process

Dashboard Design

Content Stratergy

Project details

5 second takeaway

Problem

Critical conservation data was trapped in academic silos, while public awareness remained dangerously low.

Solution

Created an integrated ecosystem with dual interfaces—one for researchers to collaborate, one for public engagement.

Outcome

3x faster knowledge sharing between researchers, 1000+ new conservation supporters.

introduction

The hidden crisis 🦉

Burrowing owls were disappearing from their habitats, yet valuable research data remained trapped in academic silos, invisible to the public who could help save them.

“ The goal was was to highlight these delightful little birds and increase awareness of their importance”

research

Discovering the Deeper Story 🧭

8 in-depth interviews with academic researchers and conservationists.
Field observations of researchers working with data and conservation sites
Stakeholder mapping to identify all parties involved in owl protection

research Findings

1.

Raising public awareness on the conservation issues.

2.

Sharing data among researchers and data was a huge challenge.

3.

Creating alternative ecosystems for species conservation.

4.

Efficiently managing volunteers and students is essential.

5.

Prioritizing safety, ethics, and ecological well-being in research.

6.

Researchers stress continuous monitoring, data analysis, and conservation support.

"Researchers were wearing two hats simultaneously—acting as both scientific experts and conservation advocates. Their tools served neither role effectively."

Discovery

To understand researchers and their project goals, I created proto-personas. These provided detailed insights into our target audience, allowing us to tailor design solutions to their needs.

Dr. Maya Rodriguez – The Research Professor:
"I'm committed to unraveling owl behavior and reproduction while educating the community. I need clear ways to represent our work that don't add to my already overwhelming responsibilities."

Dr. James Chen – The Field Educator:
‍"My goal is to connect students with research opportunities and ensure data accessibility. The frustration lies in managing valuable historical data that could tell us so much more if properly visualized."

information architecture

Mapping the journey 📍

The goal was to align the researchers' dual roles within a single website. I designed an app architecture that integrates an informative site and a data viewing platform, serving both researchers and the public.

ideation

Defining the Path Forward 🪜

Bridge the Knowledge Gap: Transform complex research into accessible public content
Empower Researchers: Create visualization tools that accelerate conservation insights
Build Institutional Credibility: Leverage academic design systems to enhance trust

Solution

the dual interface stratergy

Public-Facing Platform 👥

Translated complex research into compelling conservation stories
Created emotional connection through photography and narrative
Provided clear pathways for public support and engagement

Link to prototype

researchers dashboard

Researcher Dashboard 🧐

Transformed raw data into powerful visual insights
Empower Researchers: Create visualization tools that accelerate conservation insights
Build Institutional Credibility: Leverage academic design systems to enhance trust

learning and reflections

Understanding non-human stakeholders:

Marked a shift from solely focusing on human needs and interests to embracing a broader perspective that encompasses the well-being of all living things.

Balancing Stakeholder Needs with User Needs :

The unique project I worked on, with researchers playing dual roles as users and clients, presented a challenging dynamic in balancing their needs.