Ocean R/V Telepresence
Performed in-depth user interviews on geographically distributed telepresence work for deep-sea exploration teams. Delivered actionable insights on telepresence attitudes & adoption for the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI).
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Generative Research | User Interviews | Telepresence | Thematic Analysis
This qualitative user experience research was part of a multi-functional collaborative team that took place over several years (2019 - 2022) with varying iterations on the telepresence design.
Our work sought to record experiences, understand user needs, provide internal design recommendations, and reflect broadly on both telepresence and geographically distributed work (especially in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and Work From Home policies).
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Conducted 29 in-depth user interviewers with telepresence users in combination with shadowing multiple telepresence sessions.
Telepresence user experiences varied - with some only interacting via the ship, only on land, or both.
Professions of those interviewed also varied greatly - i.e., Aquarist, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Pilot, the ship's captain, a natural documentary producer.
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User Types & Their Typical Locations
Example of Telepresence Portal - POV from on-shore collaborator
Who else is online / viewing the live feed
3 different video feeds -
2 live feeds from the ROV cameras; 1 live view of the ship's control room
Relevant data (e.g., ROV coordinates/ depth/ temperature)
User control panel for audio/ video
Unique findings for telepresence on ocean research vessels:
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Conversations around prioritizing science needs and educational outreach opportunities
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Concerns about data embargoing
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Psychological safety (notifying on-ship team when there are active telepresence participants)
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Ensuring telepresence doesn’t interfere with the chain-of-command of the research vessel
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Creating varied communication channels (i.e., channel to talk with the on-ship team, channel for off-ship participants only, etc.)
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Defining a host role for telepresence use – off-ship team member dedicated to all thing's telepresence (set-up/ onboarding participants, solving errors/ issues, etc.)
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Increasing productivity at-sea and on-shore user groups
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Broadening collaborative networks and access
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Improving inclusion efforts for scientists with diverse backgrounds and requirements
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Understanding the psychological safety of at-sea users
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Coordinating efforts between at-sea and on-shore teams
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Managing time and interests​​​
Performed a thematic analysis on interview transcripts
Presented a full paper at the inaugural IEEE Telepresence 2024 Conference
Read - Beyond Bunkspace: Telepresence for Deep Sea Exploration