The Stargazer’s Viewfinder
The Genesis of an Idea
Initial Device Sketch
After a previous attempt, the current stellascope device was sketched out by hand. It included the initial design of the LCD Panel and UI, as well as the housing for the device’s battery pack and bluetooth connectivity circuitry.
An Innovative LCD Panel
LCD Panel Design Wireframe
Using a custom shape, state of the art screen design, the StellaScope device utilizes transparent LCD technology to display information both next to and optionally on top of devices viewfinder. The panel uses a thicker design to allow necessary space for equipment to capture viewfinder imagery to send to the user’s phone in real time.
The Final Result
Viewfinder Render and Application View
By capturing the viewfinder in real time, the StellaScope device’s second screen application allows the sky to be shown in real time, where it can be shared with students or friends! It also allows the user to take advantage of telemetry and navigation data, capture beautiful photos, and save specific spots in the sky to share with others in the community or come back to later!
Personas
Ella the Educator is an eighth-grade teacher who’s passionate about hands-on learning. This school year she taught her students about ancient Greek mythology and astronomy. She wants to be able to show her students the constellations, especially Orion’s Belt on their end-of-year camping trip.
Alex the Amateur loves the outdoors, as an avid hiker, climber, and camper he's eager to learn more about the stars he sleeps under. He bought a telescope but now feels lost and frustrated because he doesn't know where to start. He wants to learn more about the stars but is too intimidated.
Paula the Pro has been keen about the stars ever since she was a little girl and her father showed her the night sky. When he died, Paula felt lonely and has been looking for a way to connect with others who love the stars as much as she does.
Stellascope envisions a revolutionary astronomy app combining celestial wonders with cutting-edge technology.
The Stellascope Team
A Thoughtful Design Process
Wireframes
First Iterations
Guerilla Testing
Guerilla testing, also known as guerrilla usability testing, is a method used in UX/UI design to quickly gather feedback on a product or prototype from real users in an informal setting. It's called "guerrilla" testing because it's fast, inexpensive, and often conducted in an ad-hoc manner, similar to guerrilla warfare tactics.
Final High Fidelity Sketches
Designed and curated to provide the ultimate interactive stargazing experience, the Stellascope app wirelessly connects to the viewfinder to stream exactly what you are exploring as well as more detailed information about the various constellations, eclipses, and other astrological anomalies you may find on your journeys into the night sky. The interface is laid out to be as simple as possible while still providing all the necessary functions of a stargazing app. The Stellascope app has features to capture each of your explorations as well as save your favorite views and locations. Stellascope also offers a vast community of other engaged explorers through our in-app social and networking features; as well as streaming capabilities to various other platforms for those who wish to share their adventures with a wider audience.