IDRC: Interactive Data for Research and Conservation

Project Description

Our team was challenged to take the role of “International Scientists” and create a plan to establish a mock “civilization” on an uninhabited island in the Pacific called “MS DOS”.

Problem

There were several problems in this project. Firstly, as International scientists, we had to first plan how, or if, we should actually visit or inhabit the island, in fear of potentially damaging the environment and disrupting its natural habitat. Second, we had to consider various “lenses” in our final presentation and report. These included Marketing (how we would market IDRC to investors), Finance (who would fund IDRC and specifics), Conservation (how would an expedition operate with conservation in mind), Technology (interactive virtual research experience) and Legal (detailed legality).

Insights

We found the coral reefs need to be protected and inhabiting the island would harm the reefs. We also found remote sensing technologies could allow for key data to be extracted from the island without harming it. Vulnerable and sensitive coral on MS DOS needed to be protected and conserved.

Solutions

As a team, we decided to create an interactive virtual experience to study the coral reefs, and study from the island and its habitat. We were thus able to satisfy the “civilization” aspect, while having minimal environmental impact on the island.