Sydney Institute of Marine Science | Volunteering
Using creativity and innovation to engage communities in marine science and restoration
A Design Thinking Hackathon was designed to generate creative solutions for the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) initiatives.
Bringing together researchers, subject matter experts, artists, and facilitators, the event fostered cross-disciplinary collaboration and ideation. Through curated personas, interactive activities, and expert insights, participants explored real-world challenges and developed actionable ideas to support SIMS ongoing projects.
Our objective and approach
The hackathon aimed to empower the SIMS community to address pressing marine science challenges through design thinking. By aligning the workshop’s framing, problem statements, and persona profiles with current research and organisational needs, the event provided a platform for innovative thinking and practical problem-solving.
The agenda was structured to guide participants through empathy, definition, ideation, prototyping, and evaluation, ensuring a holistic approach to solution development.
We designed a hands-on, inclusive experience that blended professional facilitation with creative input from artists and marine science experts. The workshop began with an introduction to design thinking, followed by activities that encouraged participants to empathise with curated personas, define key problems, and brainstorm solutions. Prototyping kits and collaborative exercises enabled teams to visualise their ideas, while expert feedback and group pitches ensured that concepts were both innovative and grounded in real-world needs.
My team and role
As the facilitator and agenda designer, my responsibilities included shaping the workshop flow, developing assets, and collaborating closely with the client. We led the creation of interactive activities, curated persona profiles based on SIMS research, and ensured that each phase of the journey was aligned with organisational objectives.
During the event, I facilitated content, guided participants through activities, supported group discussions, and helped synthesise insights for post-workshop follow-up. Designing interactive activities and presentation materials.
A collaborative structure for insightful events
Listening to lived experiences
The workshop began by introducing research-based personas, allowing participants to empathise with diverse perspectives and identify key pain points and opportunities.Framing the challenge
Problem statements were crafted to reflect current organisational needs, ensuring that ideation was relevant and impactful to the unique needs of end-users.Designing inclusive experiences
Activities included storytelling, group brainstorming, prototyping, and creative exercises, supported by input from artists and subject matter experts.Gathering Feedback and Insights
Teams presented their solutions in a pitch session, receiving feedback from SIMS representatives and peers to refine their ideas.
The SIMS Design Thinking Hackathon exemplified the power of collaborative innovation, leaving participants energised and equipped with new ideas to advance marine science projects. The workshop’s structure, facilitation, and expert engagement ensured that every voice was heard and every idea had the potential to make a real impact.