The goal of Connected Coral was to create a tangible, at-scale experience telling the story of coral reef bleaching and climate change that can help individuals empathize with the ocean.

Connected Coral integrates physical and digital elements in a visualization of the environmental impacts on reefs. This complex projection mapping uses multiple projectors, angled mirrors, and a motion sensor to create an interactive digital skin on a complex three-dimensional surface. Users can use multiple hands to interact with the animation by bringing a reef that is bleached back to life. Connected Coral was on display at the MIT Museum for six months in 2018-2019, including for the National Ocean Exploration Forum 2018: All Hands on Deck.

Team: Emily Salvador, Nina Lutz

Funded by: Open Ocean

2021 status: Complete