Marine Protected Area (MPA) User-Centered Data Sharing

California Ocean Science Trust

Exa conducted a User Needs Assessment by surveying people interested in scientific monitoring information collected at California’s marine protected areas. The project was conducted for the California Ocean Science Trust. Using a user-centered design approach, the focus of the ultimate system design was drawn from the needs of the user, thereby improving the usability of the data and the utility of the applications. Exa solicited the views of 519 potential users reflecting the diverse and geographically dispersed potential user population through an internet survey and telephone interviews. A final report was delivered analyzing the results of the user interviews and providing recommendations for the next steps. The information collected in the project was used by the MPA Monitoring Enterprise for a subsequent system requirements analysis.