Jesse Peter Bryant

My brief for this capstone project was to initiate and develop a self-directed project that addresses societal and environmental concerns, while simultaneously demonstrating a professional standard of interaction design.

My response to this brief, Dark Skies Collective, is an online, community-based platform that explores conversations and awareness surrounding the rapidly growing issue of light pollution in Aotearoa New Zealand. This work aims to help young, city-based Kiwis who are passionate about nature and science to understand the modern ecological, social consequences of artificial light. As urban areas are developing faster than ever, artificial light is now disrupting ecosystems, concealing the stars, impacting people’s health, and harming our endemic wildlife at rising levels each year.

In a post-pandemic world, online learning and digital interaction have evolved from a temporary alternative to established and comfortable ways for many to engage and learn. Many online science and nature resources provide valuable educational content, but often lack opportunities for community interaction and collective learning, which can feel static and disconnected. As collective, social forms of education have been proven to empower younger audiences with more effective learning, my project explores the potential interactions of a dynamic space that combines social media with education.