PARKS & CONSERVATION CENTERS
Turtle Conservation Centre
Activating Ocean Ambassadors Through Experience Design
At the heart of the Turtle Conservation Centre lies a powerful ambition — not only to rehabilitate injured sea turtles but to inspire every visitor to become a committed steward of marine conservation. Working closely with Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, formula D_ was commissioned to craft a concept design that transforms the centre into a space where education meets emotional engagement and where science inspires action.
Our approach was grounded in behavioral science and our proven “experience to action” design methodology. The visitor journey was meticulously structured to move people from awareness to empathy, and ultimately to participation. Through immersive storytelling, interactive exhibits, and direct observation of rescued turtles in recovery, the centre fosters a visceral connection to the plight of marine wildlife and the broader threats to ocean ecosystems.
The design balances scientific insight with emotionally resonant moments. Visitors enter through a narrative-driven gateway that highlights each turtle’s story, creating an immediate emotional anchor. Carefully designed wayfinding and pacing guide visitors through themed zones: from understanding turtle physiology and environmental challenges, to witnessing rehabilitation in action, and finally to engaging with hopeful release stories. Each stage is curated to reinforce a sense of personal relevance and responsibility.
A key feature of the experience is a participatory pledge wall, supported by digital content and social media integration, where visitors can make a public commitment to ocean-friendly behaviors. Educational interactives and media installations allow for deeper learning on marine threats like plastic pollution and climate change, tailored for different age groups and learning styles.
Our spatial planning included opportunities for up-close encounters with turtles in safe and respectful ways, reinforcing empathy while maintaining the integrity of the rehabilitation process. The result is a space that doesn’t simply inform but motivates and empowers.
Through this concept, the Turtle Conservation Centre becomes more than a facility — it becomes a launchpad for lifelong advocacy, turning casual visitors into ocean ambassadors. By embedding behavioral insight into every touchpoint, formula D_ ensures that the visitor experience contributes meaningfully to conservation outcomes and delivers on the centre’s mission of long-term impact.
