4Ocean
4Ocean
Student Project | 10 Weeks
Student Project | 10 Weeks
A Closed-Loop
Solution to Combat
the Ocean Plastic Crisis.
A Closed-Loop
Solution to Combat
the Ocean Plastic Crisis.
A Closed-Loop
Solution to Combat
the Ocean Plastic Crisis
Overview
Overview
4Ocean is an ocean cleanup company with a mission to end the Ocean Plastic Crisis. However, a tarnished reputation, decreased revenue, and limited environmental impact have left 4Ocean struggling to stay afloat. Our solution creates new and lasting revenue streams, restores credibility, bolsters brand awareness, and targets plastic pollution at the source.
4Ocean is an ocean cleanup company with a mission to end the Ocean Plastic Crisis. However, a tarnished reputation, decreased revenue, and limited environmental impact have left 4Ocean struggling to stay afloat. Our solution creates new and lasting revenue streams, restores credibility, bolsters brand awareness, and targets plastic pollution at the source.
Roles
Roles
UX Strategist
UX Strategist
UX Strategist
Analyzed 4Ocean's existing business model and strategies, identifying areas for improvement to yield higher results.
Analyzed 4Ocean's existing business model and strategies, identifying areas for improvement to yield higher results.
UI Designer
UI Designer
Conceptualized, designed, and user tested 4Ocean's storm drain filter database.
Conceptualized, designed, and user tested 4Ocean's storm drain filter database.
Introduction
Introduction
Founded in 2017, 4Ocean is an Ocean Cleanup Company with one goal: End the Ocean Plastic Crisis. 4Ocean has removed over 40 million pounds of plastic waste to date.
Founded in 2017, 4Ocean is an Ocean Cleanup Company with one goal: End the Ocean Plastic Crisis. 4Ocean has removed over 40 million pounds of plastic waste to date.
Founded in 2017, 4Ocean is an Ocean Cleanup Company with one goal: End the Ocean Plastic Crisis. 4Ocean has removed over 40 million pounds of plastic waste to date.
Understanding the Ocean Plastic Crisis
Understanding the Ocean Plastic Crisis
We began researching to understand the scope of the Ocean Plastic Crisis and 4Ocean's place in combatting it.
We began researching to understand the scope of the Ocean Plastic Crisis and 4Ocean's place in combatting it.
In 2020, the volume of plastic waste increased by 60% and is predicted to hit 825 million by 2050.
In 2020, the volume of plastic waste increased by 60% and is predicted to hit 825 million by 2050.
Ocean Conservancy
Ocean Conservancy
Current Business Model
Current Business Model
4Ocean's cleanup efforts are funded primarily in two ways: product sales and business partnerships.
4Ocean's cleanup efforts are funded primarily in two ways: product sales and business partnerships.
Product Sales
4Ocean sells nearly 300 products ranging from luxury jewelry to sneakers to skateboards.
Business Partnerships
4Ocean partners with a myriad of companies to increase brand awareness and fund cleanup efforts.
The Customer Experience
The Customer Experience
We were curious what 4Ocean's consumers thought of the brand and its products.
We were curious what 4Ocean's consumers thought of the brand and its products.
Insights
Insights
Our research pointed at a struggling planet and a struggling company trying to save it.
Our research pointed at a struggling planet and a struggling company trying to save it.
Revenue Potential
Revenue Potential
4Ocean's oversaturated product ecosystem falls short of maximum revenue potential.
4Ocean's oversaturated product ecosystem falls short of maximum revenue potential.
Brand Reputation
Brand Reputation
4Ocean's disconnected partnerships have hurt consumer trust and brand reputation.
4Ocean's disconnected partnerships have hurt consumer trust and brand reputation.
Environmental Impact
Environmental Impact
4Ocean's limited scope only targets plastic pollution in coastal areas, limiting brand awareness and environmental impact.
4Ocean's limited scope only targets plastic pollution in coastal areas, limiting brand awareness and environmental impact.
How Might We?
How Might We?
Create long-lasting, impactful, and sustainable solutions
for 4Ocean that generate maximum lasting revenue,
restore brand reputation, and increase environmental impact?
Create long-lasting, impactful, and sustainable solutions for 4Ocean that generate maximum lasting revenue, restore brand reputation, and increase environmental impact?
Simplifying the Product Ecosystem
Simplifying the Product Ecosystem
We began by exchanging 4Ocean's 75 bracelet variations for a single modular bracelet kit.
Reinforcing Brand Identity
Reinforcing Brand Identity
Interchangeable beads, chords, and charms encourage customization and reinforce the bracelet as a core element of the 4Ocean brand.
Interchangeable beads, chords, and charms encourage customization and reinforce the bracelet as a core element of the 4Ocean brand.
Targeting Plastic Pollution at the Source
Targeting Plastic Pollution at the Source
To maximize environmental impact, we needed to understand how plastic enters our oceans.
To maximize environmental impact, we needed to understand how plastic enters our oceans.
Drain Infrastructure
We sampled public records of current drain infrastructure to ensure our solution was practical and could be seamlessly integrated.
We sampled public records of current drain infrastructure to ensure our solution was practical and could be seamlessly integrated.
The 4Ocean Filter collects both larger debris and microplastics. The Overflow Channel ensures adequate water flow 24/7.
Filter Management Platform
Filter Management Platform
Partnering with local municipalities, 4Ocean's Filter Management Platform allows for easy filter installation and maintenance.
Marketing Campaign
Marketing Campaign
Guerilla Marketing brings the 4Ocean brand to the everyday consumer.
Guerilla Marketing brings the 4Ocean brand to the everyday consumer.
Meaningful Partnerships
Meaningful Partnerships
Intentional partners restore brand reputation and increase brand awareness.
Intentional partners restore brand reputation and increase brand awareness.
Reflection
Reflection
Research for this project was particularly thorough and challenging due to conflicting sources and the inability to access records for 4Ocean as they're a private company. We were careful to ensure our solutions were practical and sound, fueled by our extensive research.
This project also was my first opportunity to lead both business strategy and UI design. I felt satisfied in developing strategies that aligned and further contributed to 4Ocean's business and environmental objectives. This project also reinforced the sometimes ignored importance of consumer trust and brand awareness.
Research for this project was particularly thorough and challenging due to conflicting sources and the inability to access records for 4Ocean as they're a private company. We were careful to ensure our solutions were practical and sound, fueled by our extensive research.
This project also was my first opportunity to lead both business strategy and UI design. I felt satisfied in developing strategies that aligned and further contributed to 4Ocean's business and environmental objectives. This project also reinforced the sometimes ignored importance of consumer trust and brand awareness.
Key takeaways:
Conflicting research does not close the door on your ideas, but invites you to go deeper
Never underestimate the importance of brand awareness and reputation
Fighting a problem at its source is far more effective than mitigating its consequences
Making complex information digestible for the user is a key skill of any designer
Key takeaways:
Conflicting research does not close the door on your ideas, but invites you to go deeper
Never underestimate the importance of brand awareness and reputation
Fighting a problem at its source is far more effective than mitigating its consequences
Making complex information digestible for the user is a key skill of any designer
4Ocean
Student Project | 10 Weeks
A Closed-Loop
Solution to Combat
the Ocean Plastic Crisis
Overview
4Ocean is an ocean cleanup company with a mission to end the Ocean Plastic Crisis. However, a tarnished reputation, decreased revenue, and limited environmental impact have left 4Ocean struggling to stay afloat. Our solution creates new and lasting revenue streams, restores credibility, bolsters brand awareness, and targets plastic pollution at the source.
Roles
UX Strategist
Analyzed 4Ocean's existing business model and strategies, identifying areas for improvement to yield higher results.
Product Designer
Conceptualized, designed, and user tested 4Ocean's storm drain filter database.
Introduction
Founded in 2017, 4Ocean is an Ocean Cleanup Company with one goal: End the Ocean Plastic Crisis. 4Ocean has removed over 40 million pounds of plastic waste to date.
Understanding the Ocean Plastic Crisis
We began researching to understand the scope of the Ocean Plastic Crisis and 4Ocean's place in combatting it.
In 2020, the volume of plastic waste increased by 60% and is predicted to hit 825 million by 2050.
Ocean Conservancy
Current Business Model
4Ocean's cleanup efforts are funded primarily in two ways: product sales and business partnerships.
Product Sales
4Ocean sells nearly 300 products ranging from luxury jewelry to sneakers to skateboards.
Business Partnerships
4Ocean partners with a myriad of companies to increase brand awareness and fund cleanup efforts.
The Customer Experience
We were curious what 4Ocean's consumers thought of the brand and its products.
Insights
Our research pointed at a struggling planet and a struggling company trying to save it.
Revenue Potential
4Ocean's oversaturated product ecosystem falls short of maximum revenue potential.
Brand Reputation
4Ocean's disconnected partnerships have hurt consumer trust and brand reputation.
Environmental Impact
4Ocean's limited scope only targets plastic pollution in coastal areas, limiting brand awareness and environmental impact.
How Might We?
Create long-lasting, impactful, and sustainable solutions for 4Ocean that generate maximum lasting revenue, restore brand reputation, and increase environmental impact?
Simplifying the Product Ecosystem
We began by exchanging 4Ocean's 75 bracelet variations for a single modular bracelet kit.
Reinforcing Brand Identity
Interchangeable beads, chords, and charms encourage customization and reinforce the bracelet as a core element of the 4Ocean brand.
Targeting Plastic Pollution at the Source
To maximize environmental impact, we needed to understand how plastic enters our oceans.
Drain Infrastructure
We sampled public records of current drain infrastructure to ensure our solution was practical and could be seamlessly integrated.
The 4Ocean Filter collects both larger debris and microplastics. The Overflow Channel ensures adequate water flow 24/7.
Filter Management Platform
Partnering with local municipalities, 4Ocean's Filter Management Platform allows for easy filter installation and maintenance.
Marketing Campaign
Guerilla Marketing brings the 4Ocean brand to the everyday consumer.
Meaningful Partnerships
Intentional partners restore brand reputation and increase brand awareness.
Reflection
Research for this project was particularly thorough and challenging due to conflicting sources and the inability to access records for 4Ocean as they're a private company. We were careful to ensure our solutions were practical and sound, fueled by our extensive research.
This project also was my first opportunity to lead both business strategy and UI design. I felt satisfied in developing strategies that aligned and further contributed to 4Ocean's business and environmental objectives. This project also reinforced the sometimes ignored importance of consumer trust and brand awareness.
Key takeaways:
Conflicting research does not close the door on your ideas, but invites you to go deeper
Never underestimate the importance of brand awareness and reputation
Fighting a problem at its source is far more effective than mitigating its consequences
Making complex information digestible for the user is a key skill of any designer
