During this module, I will examine how storytelling can be used to enhance content and considering how concepts like art direction, pacing and narrative can be used to control the flow of information and create an immersive user experience. To understand the key role narrative plays in creating engaging design, I first watched Cindy Chastain’s: “Thinking Like a Storyteller”. Above, I have included a link to my reflection on Chastain’s talk.
The Apollo 11 mission was a historic spaceflight mission by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) in 1969, which marked the first time humans set foot on the Moon. The mission was launched on July 16, 1969, from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA carrying American astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins.
(Above) Apollo 11 Crew
(Above) Photographs taken by the Apollo 11 Crew
Armstrong, the Module’s Commander, became the first man to walk on the moon. His now iconic words, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," were broadcasted to 650 million viewers worldwide; immortalising the moment and marked a significant milestone in human history, showcasing the power technological advancement. This module’s outcome will present the Apollo 11 mission’s journey and data through an engaging digital product, with an emphasis on developing a narrative that reflects the significance of the historic event.
A moodboard is a collection of like-minded design examples, organised and presented to accomplish a task. Moodboard’s are typically used for three main purposes: defining your brand or product; inspiring creativity by suggesting potential styles, features and tone; and providing direction to help designers navigate tough design decisions.
(above) Moodboard of media which depicting the Apollo 11 spacecraft, astronauts and NASA
(Above) Continuing to collect iconic imagery synonymous with NASA, Apollo 11 and space in general; now focusing on how visual design
I explored different sources including the NASA, National Geographic, The New York Times and Pinterest for images that I found interesting. As well as traditional photography depicting the Apollo 11 preparation and space flight, I was also interested in different forms of media that depicted space through narrative. I have included below an initial moodboard I have created for this project with images relating to both the product topic and potential outcome. This task was very useful as it allowed me to consider familiar motifs surrounding the Apollo 11 mission which will connect with users unfamiliar with the event.
(Above) Still from 2001: Space Odyssey (1968)
(Above) Still from 2001: Space Odyssey (1968)
In particular, I found frames from the 1968 Stanley Kubrick science fiction epic 2001: Space Odyssey very visually exciting. I found the art direction by John Hoesli in collaboration with cinematographers Geoffrey Unsworth and John Alcott underpins the tense, otherworldly tone or nature of film’s narrative. As this project progresses, I am interested in utilising design and interaction methods to reflect a similar sense of eery wonder and awe which is so uniquely evoked by space, to create an engaging user experience. I think elements of the film’s cinematography could influence the composition of my final outcome.
After creating the above moodboard, I was still unsure what direction my final outcome would be heading. I decided to focus specifically on designed a digital product for children aged between 10 to 14 years old. By narrowing down the target audience, I will be able to create an interesting narrative that will successfully appeal to a user base.
(Above) Elliot’s User Persona
(Above) Rosie’s User Persona
(Above) Elliot’s User Persona Continued
(Above) Rosie’s User Persona Continued