2 Moons
2022 FLUX Student Design Competition Best in Video and Motion Graphics
2 Moons is a site designed to recruit future Mars occupants and advertise the eco-friendly settlement. The website answers all questions applicants would have, such as flight logistics, housing, and careers.
Creativity
For my senior thesis project, I conceptualized “2 Moons,” an innovative onboarding and informational website designed to prepare future colonizers for the first-ever Mars colony. Through the creative process, I embarked on extensive research to understand the unique challenges and requirements of living on Mars, incorporating the latest scientific knowledge and futuristic design elements.
Problem Solving
While creating this project, I encountered numerous technical challenges as I was learning along the way, necessitating creative problem-solving to realize my design vision. One example is since videos were supported on Figma at the time, I overcame this limitation by crafting and animating high-definition GIFs manually using After Effects.
Animating
Animating multiple components and GIFs for this project in After Effects demanded a proficiency in keyframe animation, precise timing, and a deep understanding of layer management. It required technical skills to ensure seamless transitions, smooth movements, and high-quality output, enhancing the overall visual experience.
My design process started with thorough research and analysis. I started with card sorting exercises and conducted a competitive analysis of university websites to understand how they handle recruiting, onboarding and informational content. This informed my site map which led to sketching and then the creation of low-fidelity wireframes, allowing me to iterate and refine.
As I progressed, I transitioned from low-fidelity to high-fidelity designs using Figma, incorporating visual aesthetics, typography, and interactive elements to enhance the user experience. Prototyping played a pivotal role in bringing the design to life and creating a modern and sleek aesthetic. Lastly, I presented my work in front of my graduating class at the Senior Thesis Show, articulating my design decisions, showcasing the project’s evolution, and demonstrating how the final product, “2 Moons,” effectively prepared future Mars occupants through an immersive onboarding website. This end-to-end approach to my thesis project showcased my skills and dedication to detail and research backed design.
The Final Product
