Earth Orbit Interaction

⌄

OVERVIEW

A team project rethinking the Earth-orbit exhibit at Zhejiang Science and Technology Museum. Visitors explore a virtual exhibit as an astronaut and use directional controls to trigger seasonal imagery or warning feedback. Credited as Haley in the report, I was responsible for interaction design, modelling, Unreal Engine development and presentation production.

FOCUS

Interaction design · 3D modelling · Unreal Engine prototyping

TOOLS & METHODS

Unreal Engine · 3D modelling · Interaction prototyping · Presentation production

STATUS

Experimental

THE CHALLENGE

What needed to become clear.

The existing exhibit indicated a turning direction but gave little feedback on the result. The challenge was to make actions and responses easier to understand for children, accompanying parents and adult visitors, while presenting orbital motion, light and shadow through an engaging interaction.

THE APPROACH

How the idea was tested.

The team used exhibit observation, interviews, audience descriptions, brainstorming and concept sketches to develop the proposal. I developed the interaction, models and Unreal Engine prototype, and produced the presentation. Qualitative feedback from children and adults informed revisions to the operating instructions, lighting and starry setting.

CURRENT OUTCOME

Where the project stands.

The course project produced an interactive digital prototype and a documented design process, including directional controls, seasonal video, warning states and added guidance. Feedback highlighted the appeal of the astronaut role and the need for clearer instructions. Further work should test the revised experience with families and refine its astronomy explanations; the report does not establish learning gains or deployment in the museum.

PROJECT MATERIALS

Documents &
moving images.

PDF