Star Quest

Introduction
Research & ConTENT
Wireframe
Visual Design
Final Prototype
Conclusion

Star Quest

Location-based services are built into nearly every application we use on our mobile devices—our phones guide us through space and help us navigate decisions wherever we are. For this design challenge, the task was to create a conceptual site guide for a site of your choosing for mobile use. The app design includes several key elements, such as:
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App Name
App Homepage Icon
Landing Page Design
Interior Navigation with 4 Categories/Divisions of Content
All Relevant Interior State Designs

I came up with Star Quest, a mobile app prototype designed in Figma for an audience aged 8-15. The app blends 2D and 3D assets for an immersive and educational experience, guiding users through the stars and space.

USER PERSONA

^{Ethan
Castleberry}^He/him
‍Ethan is a curious 10-year-old from Seattle who loves science and exploring space.
He spends his free time playing educational games and watching space documentaries.
Ethan is always on the lookout for new apps that let him learn while having fun.
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‍Goals: Wants an engaging, educational adventure that lets him explore stars and planets while challenging him to learn new facts. Enjoys interactive content and discovering new things through fun games.
‍Challenges: Needs a user-friendly interface with simple navigation. Prefers games that feel like an adventure but don’t require too much reading or complex controls.

01 Research & Content

The app focuses on a virtual journey through the cosmos to explore various types of stars. Users will seek out this app to embark on an educational journey through space, guided by a 3D spaceman. They will gain knowledge about different types of stars, their life cycles, and their significance in the universe. The uniqueness of this guide lies in its combination of educational content and immersive 3D visualization. It offers a dynamic learning experience with interactive elements and engaging visuals, making it stand out from other space exploration resources.

Field Research

I began my process by researching apps with qualities I wanted Star Quest to have, focusing on why their interactivity works with users and how they utilized 3D elements. I also examined their UI and interface design, looking at how they placed elements on the screen, and used those references to develop my content and concept.

Star Quest's Content Categories:

Introduction: Users are introduced to the app with a welcome message from the 3D spaceman. They learn about the app's purpose and what they can expect to explore.
Main Sequence Stars: This section delves into the concept of main sequence stars, how they form, and their significance in the universe. It includes detailed information, images, and interactive 3D models to illustrate key points.
Red Giants: Users can choose to explore the lifecycle of red giants, understanding how they evolve from main sequence stars.Interactive elements, animations, and comparisons with other stars make this section engaging.
White Dwarfs: White dwarfs' formation and characteristics are explained in an interactive manner. Users can explore a variety of white dwarfs and their features through 3D visualization.
Neutron Stars: The unique properties of neutron stars are explored through animations, 3D models, and informative text.
Red Dwarfs: This section focuses on red dwarfs and their long lifespans. Users can discover where to find red dwarfs in the night sky and their significance.
Brown Dwarfs: Brown dwarfs are introduced as celestial objects that bridge the gap between stars and planets. Users can explore through 3D visualization.

02 WIREFRAME

User Journey and Considerations:

User Engagement: Users are initially drawn to the app by their curiosity about the cosmos and their interest in learning about different types of stars in space. The goal is to gain knowledge and understanding of these celestial objects. The audience is for educational purposes and those who want to learn more about the stars
Linear vs. Non-linear Journey: The user journey is primarily non-linear. Users can choose which sections to explore based on their interests.
Layers of Information and Functionality: The app offers multiple layers of information and functionality. Each content section provides in-depth information about specific star types. Interactive elements, such as 3D models, add a dynamic layer

03 VISUAL DESIGN

The information about stars used in the app was sourced from a NASA article. I used this information to structure the content for each section, ensuring accurate and educational details for each star type.

Logo Sketches

Spaceman 3D Model

The spaceman's minimalist design allows for easy navigation.

I used Unreal Engine 5 to create the visual effects animations, which were then converted into GIFs into the prototype.

04 Final prototype

Presenting.....Star Quest

Navigate through the tabs below to explore the various sections

Conclusion

Takeaways

Improving Content Presentation: Explore more engaging ways to present text-heavy content, such as interactive diagrams or animated infographics.
Dynamic Interactivity: Add features like quizzes or mini-games to make learning about stars more interactive and fun.
‍Accessibility Improvements: Incorporate accessibility features like color contrast or adjustable font sizes to accommodate a wider audience.

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