J. Pedro Dias, André Castro, Maria Jo�ão Félix, Filipe Brandão
The accelerated decline of coral reef ecosystems underscores the need to develop more effective solutions by synergizing with diverse scientific areas. Product design may help improve restoration methods, such as substratum enhancement techniques in coral reef restoration. This review aims to provide an overview of coral restoration methods and challenges, and to offer design strategies for coral reef restoration. A comprehensive literature review examines the restoration problem and proposes design methodologies that could improve restoration efforts that consider all problem-relevant data into a single solution. The relevant criteria to consider in developing holistic solutions are species diversity, specifications for restoration methods, and coral response to substrates. The study identifies and proposes design parameters that affect the effectiveness of these restoration methods, including the parametric design of site-specific, customizable solutions. Also, new production techniques and materials can potentially increase the effectiveness of restoration efforts.