Task
Creating a concept for an Industrial Design bachelor's thesis in the given timeframe, using all the skills I've learned.
Students have to come up with a project by themselves, so I picked the topic of astronomy as I was always fascinated by it. But what product may result from such a large subject?
Coming up with a project that can show all learned skills so far.
Challenging research during a pandemic and several lockdowns.
Working academically.
​
Working under pressure of time.
Challenges
Real interaction with people is worth a lot.
​
Prototype models are important.
​
Modeling for AR on the web.
Learnings
Project brief
"Instrument for astronomical observance for beginners."
01. Research
Researching the history of telescopes and different telescope constructions using literature and the Internet.
There are many different construction types of telescopes, used for different tasks.
02. Market research
Visiting the only place opened that sold telescopes to speak with the salesmen, looking through recent magazines about astronomy and telescopes.
"Telescopes are an Internet business"
Most people are willing to spend more for higher quality and an easy experience.
Most German people have hardly any basic astronomical knowledge.
The market is oversaturated with cheap, low-quality products, resulting in confused and disappointed users.
A survey was conducted with over 100 participants from ages 10 to 60. The focus was to find out what users want, what they expect of a telescope how much they are willing to pay and how they are planning on using the device.
03. Survey
Most people are willing to spend more for higher quality and an easy experience.
86% are interested in astronomy.
Most people want a casual and informative observation.
People prefer to invest their money in the optics of a telescope rather than in auto tracking.
04. Expert interviews
A survey was conducted with over 100 participants from ages 10 to 60. The focus was to find out what users want, what they expect of a telescope how much they are willing to pay and how they are planning on using the device.
A lot of knowledge is needed for good observations, which most people don't have.
Light pollution and bad weather hinder good observations.
Light pollution and bad weather hinder good observations.
A survey was conducted with over 100 participants from ages 10 to 60. The focus was to find out what users want, what they expect of a telescope how much they are willing to pay and how they are planning on using the device.
05. Operational analysis
More extras equal to lesser quality.
There are no great cheap telescopes out there. After all, it is a sensitive instrument.
More extras equal to lesser quality.
06. Disasambly
To get a greater understanding of the exact inner architecture I disassembled an old reflector telescope.
There is a large knowledge gap among beginner astronomers.
By replacing some parts the telescope can be transformed into a different one.
What are the biggest pain points?
How can beginners study astronomy with a telescope and get the best they can as their first device?
07. Ideation
Starting to think about possible solutions for specific problems, sketch the concepts and evaluate those.
08. User journey
Usual user journey based on the research compared to an adapted one using my concept.
Adapted User Journey
In this concept, the beginner is using an app that teaches the basics of astronomy and guides through a learning process by discovering the moon first, followed by constellations and planets, turning astronomy into a hobby.
The usual user journey based on the concept is an upgradable reflector telescope that can be collapsed for transport and storage with a large 200 mm mirror that can be replaced with a parabolic mirror system for astrophotography. compared to an adapted one using my concept.
09. Conception
A cardboard model was created for proof of concept and size validation.