Overview
The Berlengas Islands are a Special Protection Zone with unique habitats, endemic plants, and important seabird populations. The Life Berlengas project was created to ensure the sustainable management of this fragile ecosystem and to raise awareness among visitors and the public.
Our role was to design the Life Berlengas App, a mobile application that informs and educates tourists about the biodiversity of the islands, guiding them through conservation rules, local species, and ecological values. In addition to the app for iOS and Android, a dedicated screen was designed and installed at the tourist point in Peniche, serving as an interactive hub for visitors before traveling to the islands.
The design process was carried out in Adobe XD and included a field visit to the Berlengas, where we photographed the local environment and gathered insights to ensure the app reflected the true essence of the ecosystem. This close connection to the project’s context ensured both accuracy and authenticity in the final design.
Challenge
The challenge was to design an app that was educational, engaging, and easy to use for a broad audience, from casual tourists to nature enthusiasts. It needed to communicate the richness of the ecosystem without overwhelming users, while remaining consistent across mobile platforms and external screen displays.
Solution / Approach
The project began with research into the Berlengas ecosystem and a field visit to the islands, where we gathered both photographic and experiential content. Based on this, the UX flows were structured in Adobe XD to balance clarity and visual richness.
The app design focused on clean layouts, intuitive navigation, and nature-inspired visuals, highlighting species, habitats, and conservation messages. For the external screen, the design emphasized bold visuals and simple touch interactions, making it accessible to visitors at the tourist point in Peniche.By combining digital design with real environmental insights, the project delivered a platform that not only informs but also inspires users to value and protect the Berlengas.
Key features & Highlights
Mobile App Design
– iOS and Android versions designed in Adobe XD.
External Tourist Screen
– Interactive display installed in Peniche.
Educational Content
– Biodiversity, habitats, and conservation rules.
Field Visit
– On-site research and photography for authentic content.
Nature-Inspired Design
– Visuals aligned with the ecosystem.
Results / Impact
The Life Berlengas project provided SPEA with a powerful digital and physical tool to support conservation and education. Tourists can now learn about the islands before visiting, engage with content on-site, and carry the experience through the mobile app. By merging environmental storytelling with modern design, the project helped reinforce the importance of protecting this unique natural reserve.
