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UX
Visual Design

CosmoQuest: Increasing Awareness for Space Benefits

brief

The majority of astronomical material and media for the general public often feels too complex, making it difficult for those without prior knowledge of astronomy to engage with or connect to meaningful discoveries and technologies.

The Problem

Limited awareness and understanding of astronomical endeavors often lead to a misunderstanding of the impact and relevance of space technology and research on Earth. This contributes to the common misconception that space exploration is "useless and a waste of money."

Results & Takeaways

Enhanced user engagement by making it more engaging and accessible. Through the use of effective use of storytelling and gamification to simplify complex information.

My Role

Research, Ideation, UI/UX, Visual Design, Prototyping, Design System

Team

Myself

Tools

Figma, Figjam, Powerpoint, LottieFiles & Premiere Pro

Year

2023-2024

Opportunity

Increase public awareness and appreciation of space endeavors impact on Earth

Create engaging educational tools that demystify space exploration and highlight its practical benefits to life on Earth, by simplifying complex information to make space-related content more accessible and engaging to a broader audience.

Highlights

Guiding Question

“ Through the case study of Water Recovery Systems within the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) onboard the International Space Station (ISS), I will demonstrate the global benefits of Space Technology and Research. ”

Research Findings

Through my research question I found a common misconception: that space exploration lacks relevance to life on Earth.

However, I discovered that space technology and research profoundly impact our planet. Studying astronomy not only fosters a deeper understanding of Earth and the universe but also prepares us for potential threats. Moreover, space exploration drives technological and research advancements that directly benefit life on Earth.

Key Problems

Complex information:
Harder for everyday people to engage and connect with astronomical endeavors
Lack of connection to Earth:
Astronomical media mainly highlight the “cool factor”, and forget to connect it to how space endeavors contribute to life on Earth.
Unseen Value
When connections aren't made, it can appear as though a lot of money and effort are invested in something with little benefit to life on Earth, leading to misconceptions.

Process

My Approach

Simplifying complex information:
  • Simplify information for easy understanding by kids and up.
  • Easy to follow learning modules
Build connections:
  • Illustrate real-world use cases and highlight their Earthly benefits
  • Storyboard and create a narrative
Engaging + Interactivity:
  • Gamify learning modules to create impact — hands on experience
  • Use of micro animations to give it life

Why CosmoQuest?

Given the widespread misconception that space exploration is irrelevant or a waste of resources, there's a need for educational media that bridge the information gap, and make astronomical material accessible and engaging.

Designing the UX

Using my research as a foundation for my design application, I outlined the requirements and identified the AEIOU's, ensuring user-focused design aligned with their needs and use cases. This process facilitated the development of cohesive functions and features, creating a narrative within the learning modules.

Requirements table, 1. learning module, 2. module section 1, 3. post module, 4. main navigation, imageAEIOU, image

Wireframes & Testing

Inspired by Science Centre visits, I aimed to design engaging experiences by simplifying complex information and adding playful elements. Drawing from hands-on exhibits, the design caters to both children and mature audiences, sparking curiosity. Additionally, my gaming background inspired exploration of game mechanics to gamify the learning process effectively. As I designed new mechanics, I ensured to test them for clarity, interactivity, and enjoyment in the learning modules. Additionally, I confirmed that the games aligned well with the content.

Initial rough sketches of the learning module user interface, storyboarding the user flow, imageRapid prototyping diagram, 1. prototype 2. test & review 3. refine & iterate, repeat from the start, image

Solution

Space Discovery App

CosmoQuest is an interactive app designed to address the limited awareness and understanding of the impact of space technology and research on Earth. By offering engaging content and hands-on experiences, CosmoQuest aims to debunk misconceptions and showcase the practical benefits of space exploration. Through interactive learning, users can develop a deeper understanding of how space technology contributes to various aspects of life on Earth, ultimately fostering appreciation and recognition of its importance.

App Prototype

View Prototype

01 — Navigation

The map system organizes learning modules into nodes, categorized by color. Strategically placed nodes group related modules like Earth and the International Space Station, indicating linked or closely related topics. New modules ensure fresh content by incorporating new space technology and research over time.

02 — Learning Modules

The interactive learning modules gamify the process, showcasing real-world applications. For instance, in this prototype, research on the water recovery system and its Earth applications highlight the benefits of space technology and research, emphasizing their global advantages.

03 — Interactive Puzzles

Gamifying the learning process creates an immersive experience, fostering appreciation for the impact of space technology. Interactivity encourages exploration and engagement, inspiring curiosity and innovation in space research and technology.

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Feel Free To Connect!

See something that caught your eye? Get in touch, I'd love to discuss and explore new challenges and opportunities!
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