Speculative and circular design applied to oceanic health and wellbeing – Envisioning possible futures with OZEAON project

Oceans are vital for the planet, regulating climate and producing oxygen, and are crucial for human health and wellbeing. Rapid advancements are occurring in marine-derived biomaterials and bioactivities, offering sustainable solutions for industries such as medicine, food, and cosmetics. The problematic addressed is that valuable knowledge about ocean, technologies, and algae research, is fragmented and not easily discoverable. There is currently no unified digital platform for information, learning, content sharing, and funding to inspire people and develop solutions related to oceanic health and wellbeing, despite the increasing need due to environmental and health concerns. Through following speculative and circular design approach it is aimed to envision possible futures for oceanic health and wellbeing with OZEAON project. This paper addresses, through an empirical approach how to bridge science and imagination using participatory methods and a innovation-focused ecosystem.