HUALI
QU

Going Back to the Ocean

Huali Qu & Lucy Hui
Sustainability / Product System / Wearable
2021

"Going Back to the Ocean" is a sustainable product system designed to rethink snorkeling equipment through material innovation, informed by Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)-driven analysis to reduces environmental impact while maintaining usability and performance.

Recognized as Emerging Sport Apparel Designer of the Year by FIT Sport Design Awards, along with multiple international design awards.

Problem

UX Background - User interviews show that current snorkeling products create unnecessary friction in three key areas: intuitive setup, ease of movement between land and water, and a product experience that feels disconnected from the natural environment it is meant to support.

Product / Market Background - LCA Summary and Impact Matrix show that one snorkel set costs:

7 different plastics
9 different materials
3800.3 lbs. of CO₂
‍
Our enjoyment of the ocean is not without cost.

Final Design

# Snorkel

Dual-Tube Airflow | Minimizes CO2 re-inhalation for fresher, cleaner breathing.

Seamless Integration | Stay attached or carry with ease.

Ergonomic Fit | Secure wrap-around structure for high-intensity movement.

# Snorkeling Fins

Tubercles-Inspired Maneuverability | Drawing from the aerodynamic efficiency of humpback whales, the scalloped edges provide superior stability and effortless direction changes.

Short-Blade Geometry & Lighter Weight | Optimized for surface snorkeling, the compact blade offers precise control and reduces leg fatigue without sacrificing propulsion.

Bio-Lattice Structure | Utilizing marine sponge-inspired architecture to achieve an ultra-lightweight yet high-strength frame, minimizing material waste.

# Mask

Bio-Based Composition | Constructed with Algae PHA for the frame and Algae Resin for the lens, prioritizing ocean health without compromising clarity.

Ergonomic Design | Featuring a shape-memory skirt and curved panoramic lenses for a custom, immersive fit.

# Wetsuit

Algae-Powered Sun Protection | Harnessing the natural UV-shielding properties of algae to eliminate the need for chemical sunscreens, protecting both your skin and the coral reefs.

Carbon-Negative Innovation | A living garment that actively cleans the air and water. Our nanocellulose material captures microplastics when wet and safely releases them during dry-cycle filtering.

# Snorkeling Fins

Circular Product Life Cycle | A closed-loop system designed to minimize waste through product take-back and biological regeneration.

producer bake-back

make a difference

community change

Quantifying Sustainability

-82.33% Impact
Plastics: 7 Different → 4 Natural
CO₂ Emissions: 3800.3 lbs → 382.6 lbs

# New Design LCA

# Impact Matrix

# Impact Comparison

Foundational Research

Snorkeling Definition:

the activity of swimming with a snorkel and mask,
an inexpensive way for anyone to enjoy the under water world.

pack out | knolling diagram

- pack out report

31 parts in total, with no easy way to replace them.

LCA Research

- LCA summary - process tree

- LCA summary - impact matrix

- LCA summary

7 different plastics
9 different materials
3800.3 lbs. of CO2
for just one snorkel set.

Our enjoyment of the ocean is not without cost.

LCA Goals & Strategies

01 Reduce the impacts of material extraction

Limit oil use
Use byproducts
Eliminate harmful plastics

02 Minimize the materials used for processing

Use recycled materials
Dematerialize the set
Renewable resources

03 Reimagine the end of life process

Eliminate single-use plastics
Return and reuse system
Design for disassembly

User Research

user interviews

- interview insights

01

"I didn;t know how to attach the snorkel to the mask."

"It's hard to clear out the water, or the snorkel gets jangly - there's always something wrong."

02

"Fins are only convenient when swimming, but walking is a burden."

"The fins are heavy - I don't need it in the short term. Very infilexible when treading water."

03

"It made me realize that fish are more than just a kind of food."

"The fins are heavy - I don't need it in the short term. Very infilexible when treading water."

User Focused Design Goals

01 How could we minimize breathing problems caused by the snorkel?

02 How could we move more efficiently while snorkeling?

03 How could we create an immersive snorkel set that works with nature, not against it?