Transforming oceanographic data collection with modular innovation.
In collaboration with the University of Oldenburg's Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), we embarked on a mission to modernize nautical drifters—crucial instruments for global marine data collection. Our goal: enhance the study of sea surface currents and chemical parameters like oxygen levels to support sustainable marine protection strategies.
Through intensive research and close cooperation with marine scientists, we identified limitations in existing drifter technologies, such as restricted measurement capabilities and lack of control options. Employing an iterative design process, we developed a modular, intuitive software platform tailored to both current and future research needs. Key features include:
Sustainable Data Processing: Focused on resource-efficient data handling to promote environmental responsibility.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Designed to facilitate seamless cooperation across various research domains.
User-Centric Design: Conducted interviews and usability tests with scientists to ensure the platform meets real-world research demands.
The outcome is an interactive prototype that integrates control, monitoring, and data evaluation into a cohesive system. Its modular architecture allows flexible adaptation to diverse research contexts, while an open-source approach encourages community-driven advancement of both drifter and software technologies.
This project exemplifies how innovative design and strategic collaboration can revolutionize marine research methodologies.
