Tripnotes: Saving Outer Space: The First UX Design System for Our Nation’s Satellites

Though the term Space Industry might conjure images of cutting edge and futuristic technology, that’s not quite the case for the Department of Defense.  Until recently, many of our nation’s satellites operated via applications with inconsistent 1990s interfaces. DoD operators have suffered because of it–with the increased time required to learn features and engage in cross-training for how to use the applications.

a building with the sign "space and missile system" sign

Enter Michal Anne Rogondino, Founder & CEO, Rocket Communications Inc. After working at Apple in the early 90s, she started founded a company that specializes in providing UX design solutions to Fortune 500 and emerging technology companies across all industries. The team has grown to 30 designers and developers.

Upon learning more about Space Applications, she discovered that there are 100’s of antiquated apps and no one was addressing the problem at scale. It became her mission to bring enterprise-level design to space. This talk focused on the creation of the first UX Design System for Space Applications. Below are key principles that emerged from this project.

a pyramid - from top to bottom: app users, app buyers, and app builders

Outsiders Welcome

Just be yourself.

Remember that your ideas are meant to be shared and discussed. When Michal first joined the project, she felt the pressure to wear formal business attire and memorize all the acronyms involved in the project. Then, a colleague connected with her and encouraged her to voice unique thoughts and perspectives.

In other words, keep in mind that you and your team share a mission. Though hierarchy exists, teammates are generally happy to help. This was most evident at an event in which a General stood alone and Michal him. They ended up having an outstanding conversation about the project. Eventually, many of the stakeholders on the project began seeing the vision and adding their contributions to a narrative.

Moving a Mountain

Let’s solve problems together AND separately. 

Though the Department of Defense might seem like a daunting environment for design thinking it is helpful to approach your stakeholders as you would in any enterprise environment. Similarly, while satellites as a highly complex subject matter one can approach the satellite as any thinking design problem. Interestingly, the impact consumer user experiences have impacted the mental model of many satellite operators. There are sentiments like how is the experience on my smartphone more intuitive than that of a multi-million dollar satellite?

Of course, creating a design system for a Satellite Application might feel like moving a mountain at times. However, activating the power of solving problems together and separately can go a long way.

DesignOps is Next

Lastly, Michal said her team’s next step will be implementing DesignOperations to Space Applications. Thus, validating the principles and practices of great Enterprise User Experience are truly universal!