ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Designing for a Sustainable Future: The Role
of Animal Tracking Platforms in Fostering
Environmental Awareness and Conservation
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1
Faculty of Art and Design, Anhui institute of information Technology, Wuhu 241000 China
2
School of Design, Anhui Polytechnic University, Anhui 241000, China
3
School of Design Art, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050 China
Submission date: 2025-05-11
Final revision date: 2025-07-29
Acceptance date: 2025-08-03
Online publication date: 2025-09-22
Corresponding author
Yue Chen
Faculty of Art and Design, Anhui institute of information Technology, No.1, Yonghe Road, Wanchai District, Wuhu City, An, 241000, WuHu, China
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ABSTRACT
With the advancement of digital technology, animal tracking platforms have evolved from
specialized conservation tools into dynamic interfaces that support public participation in sustainable
environmental development. As concerns over biodiversity loss and ecosystem health intensify, these
platforms increasingly serve as bridges between digital engagement and environmental awareness.
Drawing on both user-generated content and survey data, the research adopts a mixed-method approach
to explore how platform design shapes users’ cognitive engagement with conservation. Latent Dirichlet
Allocation (LDA) was applied to analyze social media discussions, identifying three dominant themes
that reflect user concerns: tracking and conservation relevance, interface design and usability, and
animal welfare and emotional connection. These themes informed the construction of three perceptionbased
variables: perceived platform functionality, design uniqueness, and interface information design.
Survey data were collected through both online and offline methods, targeting individuals familiar
with animal tracking platforms. A structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis based on 395 valid
responses reveals that these platform perceptions significantly influence users’ subjective norms,
perceived behavioral control, and behavioral attitudes, which in turn shape their intention to follow
wildlife conservation information. The findings suggest that platforms emphasizing intuitive design,
reliable tracking, and emotionally resonant content are more likely to foster meaningful conservationoriented
engagement. This study offers practical insights for conservation organizations and technology
developers seeking to enhance user participation through responsive, value-driven digital platforms.