Seabed Field ObserverRedesigned the tablet tool for recording seabed observations in real time during marine research missions.

Client

Institute of Marine Research

Seabed Field Observer (SFO) is an iPad-first tool for logging observations in real time on underwater surveys — also used on desktop.

Value for client

Led UX on SFO so annotators can log seabed observations at the pace of live footage — in dark ship cabins during research cruises.

In use, IMR researchers preferred it over other annotation tools — and recommended it to colleagues.
Common logs take a tap or two — so annotators keep pace with fast footage instead of losing the observation.
Role-based shifts let several annotators cover one long mission — no data gaps when someone hands over.
Built from watching real annotation at sea — so the tool matches how the work actually happens, solo or in parallel.

Annotators work lights-off so they can see live seabed video. Species pass quickly — if logging is slow, the moment is gone.

Context

Researchers annotate live underwater footage in dark, cramped ship cabins during MAREANO cruises

Cabin stays dark for the live video

Dark-mode UI readable without glare.

Undo hard to find under time pressure

Visible universal undo on the main screen.

Complex taxonomy, fast observations

Species grouped by phylum colour for glance recognition.

Common logs need seconds, not many taps

Favourites and counters on the main view.

Live annotation during a cruise session