Empowering Curious Minds
To Explore Space With Astr
Duration
4 Months | August 2024 - November 2024
Brief
Partnered with my classmate to take the project from inception to completion, delivering a ready-to-publish iOS app design. Driven by our shared curiosity about outer space, we took on this self-led challenge to make space exploration more accessible.
The Team
PRODUCT DESIGN
Mehak Garg
Rithvika Reddy
Design Director
Blake Hudelson
institute
California College of the Arts
Space exploration has a profound impact on our past, present and future— so why does it still feel so distant, complex, and intimidating?
Astr helps bridge this gap.
Designing with Clarity
We began our process by reviewing – the Business Requirements Document (BRD) and the Product Requirements Document (PRD). The BRD outlined the overarching goals while the PRD detailed the platform’s capabilities. We ensured that every design decision — from information architecture to interaction patterns — was anchored in both business intent and product feasibility.
What we uncovered
Our responses revealed a clear pattern — a consistent thread running through all our research: the power of captivating space imagery. That’s what we needed to harness.
Our Solution? Astrophotography.
We could use these images as bait to grab the attention of curious minds, and then impart knowledge in a manner
they find relatable and exciting.
Aim
To build a platform that makes space exploration accessible and engaging through the power of astrophotography.
Key Wireframes [Low Fidelity]
Given the short and fixed duration of the project, it was essential for us to limit its scope, despite it being the kind of project that had so much potential. During the wireframing process, we narrowed down the app into three broad sections: the portal, the lens, and the profile page.
Brand Identity
We take the word STAR, and then rearrange it to form ASTR. Astr is also the beginning of many space terminologies like astronomy, astrology, astrophysics, so on and so forth.
We add our own twist to it, and thats how we get our word mark. We expanded our identity to form a logo mark, in the form of an ellipse. The ellipse here represents orbits, portals, and fluidity as nothing in space is a perfect circle.
Navigation
A unique elliptical icon, inspired by an orbit-like form. This delightful form guides users through key sections of the app.
1.
Portal
Presents an endless grid of astrophotography.
2.
Lens
Track, witness, and share celestial events in real time.
3.
Profile
View and manage your personal space journey.
The ‘Portal’ initiates the exploration journey
A boundless experience where users can swipe, tap, and uncover an infinite collection of space artefacts. We translate scientific jargon into relatable narratives that anyone can understand.
Experience real-time phenomenon through ‘Lens’
Explore a selection of must-visit events, from meteor showers to eclipses, with detailed insights and viewing tips. Plan your exploration of upcoming events through the monthly Astr calendar.
See all the details for each space event. Add it to your list, get tips on when and where to watch, and what to bring. It’s all set up for you — just show up and enjoy.
Personalisation through the ‘Profile’ section
View and manage your space journey — View your badges, attended events, and photo likes. You can also check your saved target list with countdowns.
Earn Badges
Level up by earning badges for uploading your images to the community page. These badges double up as app icons.
Data Visualistion
Inspired by a control panel, the ideal viewing times and the equipment guide, ensures you get the best viewing experience.
Aster beyond the app experience
Here’s how our ellipse shows up across various applications, like app icons and favicons. Astr’s merch is designed to be something that explorer’s would love to use.
End Note: Designing for Impact at Scale
We finally presented our project to design leads at Apple, Netflix, IDEO and Meta.
One designer at Meta shared:
“I love Astr because it gets you to stop doomscrolling. It doesn’t just distract—it educates you about space, then invites you to experience it and grow your expertise.”
Another designer at Apple expressed a more personal connection:
“My partner’s family is obsessed with space, and I always feel lost in those conversations. Astr feels like the perfect way for someone like me to get into it—without feeling overwhelmed.”
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