Hey Maqi, what’s the air quality on Mars today? Can I do outdoor activities?

In 2020, NASA successfully launched Mars 2020 as part of the Future Human Expedition to Mars Project. One of the missions for this project is to prepare for life support, testing a method for producing oxygen from the Martian atmosphere. Because the planet, mostly covered by red dust, contains more than 95% carbon dioxide and very little oxygen.

In order to adapt to a new life on the Red Planet, there will be an increasing demand for monitoring the atmosphere on a daily basis, just like checking daily weather on the Earth… Yes, it will be more of an inevitable routine in order to survive. Then, can it be something fun and entertaining rather than staring at a clinical and flat interface?

With this in mind, I created Maqi, a virtual assistant that tracks Martian Air Quality using Paper Folding (Origami), Paper Crane Birds, as the main design elements.

Many studies have found that birds are the main indicator of air pollution as they are directly affected by it. By applying the lighthearted activity of paper folding, I aim to enhance the experience in a cheerful and playful manner.

CATEGORY
Brand Identity, Interaction Design 

INSTRUCTOR
Anita Zeppetelli

Overview

Research

UI/UX

Branding

Craft

As the fourth planet from the Sun, Mars is very cold, contains more than 95% carbon dioxide and very little oxygen. Its surface is rocky and red dust covers most of its surface. As we all know, bad air quality produces countless problems for humans, including chronic illness, allergies, and etc. Maqi will help detect the status of Martian atmosphere and assist the new residents on Mars.

Research

On Mars, monitoring the air quality will be dire and crucial to the residents. How can we make the user experience more engaging?

This is how my thought process began.

During my research, I learned about the AQI (Air Quality Index), which I had never paid attention to, and how it’s used in various applications. The AQI chart features six indicators depending on its severity, from left to right. And the index is often presented as a form of static number placed on a horizontal bar chart or circular sliding bar—pretty clinical and flat!

Let’s think about how we normally check the weather on the phone. Don’t we usually glance at the temperature and whatever icons next to it? Like today is 48°F & Sunny ☀️, tomorrow is 32°F & Cloudy 🌧️, and etc.. Pretty straightforward.

The proposed problem-solving approach is pretty simple. Think outside of the orientation! In short, change the angle – from horizontal to vertical.

MAQI aims to reinterpret the current usage of AQI and change the way users interact with the information: from reading a static number on a bar graph (horizontally) to experiencing a playful and intuitive visual device (vertically).

In this project, a virtual paper crane called “Maqi” will be your assistant to deliver the air quality information. The origami bird changes its appearance and position depending on how it is affected by the air quality. Combined with a set of bird graphics, the verticality of the app aims to bring dynamic, playful, and intuitive interaction with users.