Empowering Curious Minds To Explore Space With Astr
Project Brief
Driven by my curiosity about outer space, I took on this self-led challenge to make space exploration more accessible.
Duration
4 Months
Idea → Development → Final Design
Role & Team
Rujuta Sanghvi (Me) as Designer in collaboration with an Academic Advisor + a Classmate
Skills
User Research · User Interface · Strategy ·
User Interview · Micro-Interactions · Motion Design
C C a
About the university
A graduate design programme in San Francisco where the project was incubated — pairing academic research rigour with industry mentorship to explore how emerging technology can make complex subjects approachable.
Location
San Francisco, California
Graduate design programme
Industry
Education
Space & Astrophotography
Awards
2
Year 2025
Designing with Clarity
After validating the impact of space, we asked curious people what their relationship with space is.
What we uncovered
Our responses revealed a pattern — The common interest in captivating space imagery.
Our solution?
A platform that makes space exploration accessible and engaging through the astrophotography.
Key wireframes
We narrowed down the app into three broad sections: the portal, the lens, and the profile page.
Brand Identity
We take the word STAR, and then rearrange it to form ASTR. Astr is also the beginning of many space terminologies like astronomy, astrology and astrophysics.
We expanded our identity to form a logo mark, in the form of an ellipse — to represent orbits, portals, and fluidity.
Navigation
A unique elliptical icon, inspired by an orbit-like form.
- 1. Portal
- 2. Lens
- 3. Profile
The ‘Portal’ initiates the exploration journey
A boundless experience where users can uncover an infinite collection of space artefacts. We translate scientific jargon into relatable narratives.
Experience real-time phenomenon through ‘Lens’
Explore a selection of must-visit events, with detailed insights and viewing tips. Plan your exploration of upcoming events through the monthly Astr calendar.
See the details for each space event, add it to your list, get tips where to watch, and what to bring. It’s all set up for you — just show up and enjoy.
Personalisation through the ‘Profile’ section
View and manage your space journey — view your badges, attended events, and photo likes. You can also check your saved target list with countdowns.
Earn Badges
Level up by earning badges for uploading your images. These badges double up as app icons.
Data Visualisation
Inspired by a control panel — the time and equipment guide ensures the best experience.
Astr beyond the app experience
Here’s how our ellipse shows up across various applications. Astr’s merch is designed to be something that explorers would love to use.
End Note
We presented Astr to the design leadership at Big Tech companies.
One designer at Meta shared
“I love Astr because it gets you to stop doomscrolling. It doesn’t just distract — it educates you about space, then invites you to experience it and grow your expertise.”
A designer at Apple expressed a personal connection
“My partner’s family is obsessed with space, and I always feel lost in those conversations. Astr feels like the perfect way for someone like me to get into it — without feeling overwhelmed.”
