NASA SUITS

As part of NASA's SUITS challenge, CosmoShox at Wichita State University designed two UIs: a heads-up display (HUD) and a pressurized rover (PR). Our team collaborated with Columbia University to develop interoperable designs. The project is set for Unreal Engine development in 2025, using NASA's telemetry data to create interactive simulations for space exploration.

Client

NASA

(National Aeronautics and Space Administration)

Service

- User Interface Design
- Prototyping & Wireframing
- Collaborative Design

Project Overview

As part of NASA's SUITS challenge, our team, CosmoShox at Wichita State University, designed user interfaces for future space missions, focusing on a heads-up display (HUD) and a virtual rover UI. The design process began with research and wireframing, followed by prototyping in Figma. We collaborated with Columbia University to ensure seamless interoperability between the HUD and rover UIs.

Our proposal was accepted by NASA in October 2024. In December, we were tasked with building our rover UI, while Columbia focused on the HUD. This collaboration paved the way for development in Unreal Engine in 2025, using NASA’s telemetry data to create a fully interactive space interface.

Designs by Shaybree Hanes, Janis Hwang, and Jude Khaldi

‍These images showcase the different UI modes for navigating and monitoring key aspects of the mission. From map navigation and geological data collection to the egress procedures, each mode helps guide astronauts in completing mission-critical tasks on the lunar surface.

Designs by Shaybree Hanes, Janis Hwang, and Jude Khaldi

These PR interface designs, created for the lunar mission, provide real-time telemetry, navigation, and resource tracking, ensuring astronauts have the critical data they need to stay on course and maintain safety during their exploration.

Design Process Word

1. Research & Ideation

We researched spaceflight technologies and user needs to create functional, user-friendly interfaces.

2. Wireframing & Prototyping

Using Figma, we designed wireframes and prototypes for the HUD and rover UIs, focusing on clarity and ease of use.

3. Collaboration & Proposal

We collaborated with Columbia University to ensure seamless UI communication and secured NASA's approval for the next phase.

4. Unreal Engine Development

In Spring 2025, we’ll develop the UI in Unreal Engine, using NASA’s telemetry data for realistic simulations.

Tools Used

Figma (UI Design & prototyping)
Unreal Engine (UI Development)
NASA Telemetry Data

Key Takeaways

Importance of collaboration and effective communication in a cross-university team.
The need for clear, intuitive UI design in high-pressure, complex environments like space.
Real-world applications of design in NASA missions, influencing future technologies and user experience.