YEAR: 2022-23

Participents: Lorenz Bohlmann, Yuni Byun, Katja Ulbrich, Luka Vonderau, Johanna Wendel, Lynn Fuchs

Every year, thousands of people attempt the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean Sea in search of safety and a better future. Since 2014, over 25,000 migrants have been reported missing in the Mediterranean. To respond to this humanitarian crisis, the non-governmental organization Sea-Watch has been conducting search and rescue (SAR) missions in the central Mediterranean since 2015. Funded entirely by private donations, Sea-Watch has saved over 45,000 lives, bringing people in distress to safe harbors.

The crew, made up largely of volunteers, faces immense challenges on their missions. Many of the rescued individuals have suffered extreme violence, torture, and trauma before reaching the ship. They arrive on board with physical injuries, deep psychological scars, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. The lack of space and resources on the ship further complicates their care. The Sea-Watch 5, the latest vessel in the fleet, can accommodate up to 500 people, but living conditions remain extremely limited. Guests often have less than half a square meter of space to rest, and long waiting periods before disembarkation increase frustration and tension.

One of the biggest challenges on board is communication. The guests come from diverse backgrounds, speaking a variety of languages, making verbal exchanges difficult. Language barriers create knowledge hierarchies, where some individuals receive information while others remain uninformed, leading to misunderstandings and frustration. Additionally, there is an inherent power imbalance between the crew and the guests. While the crew acts in the best interest of those rescued, their authority over decision-making and coordination with migration authorities can sometimes create mistrust among guests, especially when there is fear of being returned to unsafe regions.

To address these challenges, Sea-Watch collaborated with the Studiengruppe Informationsdesign (SI) to develop a de-escalative design concept for the Sea-Watch 5. The goal was to create solutions that would improve communication, reduce conflict potential, and enhance the overall well-being of guests during their time on board.

The project resulted in several key improvements. One of the main solutions was a moderation kit, including large magnetic boards placed in communal areas. These boards help the crew communicate crucial information consistently and visually. One board displays a geographically accurate map of the Mediterranean, allowing guests to track the ship’s position and understand the course of the journey. Importantly, it marks unsafe ports, such as Libya, to reassure guests that they will not be returned to danger. Another board outlines the daily schedule, using pictograms to illustrate meal times, medical care availability, and planned activities, helping to establish routine and reliability.

To improve orientation on board, a set of pictograms was designed to label key areas of the ship, such as the medical station, tea station, and the dedicated safe space for vulnerable individuals, including women, children, and LGBTQ+ guests. Clear, visual signage helps guests navigate their surroundings independently, reducing the need for verbal explanations and minimizing stress.

Another significant challenge addressed by the project was the long waiting time on board, which often leads to frustration and tension. To help guests pass the time and reduce feelings of uncertainty, the team introduced playful elements. This included magnetic games, designed to be engaging without provoking strong emotions linked to winning or losing. Additionally, storytelling maps were developed, allowing guests to reflect on their journey, share their experiences, and dream about possible futures. A large world map was also painted on a canvas, offering a space for guests to exchange stories about their origins and destinations.

A particularly sensitive area on board is the Recovery Area, a designated safe space for women, children, and other vulnerable individuals. To make this space feel less sterile and more comforting, narrative illustrations were added at eye level near the beds, providing guests with something engaging to look at and think about.

Beyond individual interventions, the overarching goal of this design approach was to humanize the environment of the ship. Often, rescue vessels are perceived as purely functional spaces, stripped of personality and warmth. By introducing thoughtful visual communication, interactive elements, and a sense of structure, the project aimed to make guests feel acknowledged, informed, and safe.

Ongoing Collaboration

The first implementation of these design solutions took place in the summer of 2023, where they were tested during active rescue missions. Feedback from the crew and guests was collected to refine and improve the concept further. The project is set to continue in the upcoming academic year, with further research and new developments planned in cooperation with the Guest Care Department of Sea-Watch.

By addressing communication barriers, reducing stressors, and fostering a more structured and welcoming environment, the de-escalative design project supports the life-saving work of Sea-Watch. While it cannot solve the root causes of forced migration, it ensures that those who survive the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean experience a more dignified and less distressing passage to safety.