Immersing in Ocean Awareness at the New York Aquarium_Chenkai Ni Reflection 2

Context:

As the autumn leaves began to change colors, I found myself in the midst of the bustling streets of Brooklyn, specifically at 602 Surf Ave, the address of the renowned New York Aquarium. At first glance, one may wonder about the connection between an aquarium visit and a course- Design Thinking for Creative Problem Solving. As I ventured through the venue, the connection became ever so clear.

Rationale:

My decision to visit the New York Aquarium was rooted in more than just leisure. Having embarked on a research project centered around ocean protection in my course, I was intrigued by the potential insights and inspirations I could draw from a firsthand encounter with marine life. Beyond the textual references and academic articles, I believed that observing the underwater world and understanding the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem would significantly inform my approach and perspective.

Analysis:

The aquarium, with its vast array of marine life, gave me a tangible glimpse into the beauty and complexity of the oceanic world. As I watched the elegant dance of the jellyfish, the spirited play of the dolphins, and the mesmerizing coral displays, I was reminded of the inherent value and wonder of the oceans.

However, alongside the beauty were subtle reminders of the challenges faced by our marine counterparts. Informative plaques highlighted the threats of plastic pollution, overfishing, and climate change. One particular exhibit on coral bleaching resonated deeply. It effectively visualized the dire consequences of our collective actions on these fragile organisms. It wasn’t just a view into the ocean world but a mirror reflecting our actions and their repercussions.

Connection to the Class:

This visit to the New York Aquarium further solidified the importance of our research project in the Design Thinking course. The exhibits served as tangible evidence of the pressing issues that require innovative solutions. Furthermore, the experience made me consider the design principles not just in terms of function and aesthetics, but also in terms of empathy and responsibility.

The aquarium became a lesson in understanding the ‘user’ in our design thinking module. In this case, the ‘user’ is the marine life and the ocean ecosystem. Designing solutions for ocean protection requires a deep understanding of the environment and the challenges it faces.

In conclusion, the visit was an enlightening integration of leisure, learning, and introspection. While the aquarium presented a visual spectacle, it also challenged me to think critically about our role in ocean conservation and how design thinking can be a pivotal tool in addressing global challenges.