My Framer Site

Spacenode

Build physical UFOs to learn astrophysics intuitively

ROLE

Product Designer

DURATION

6 weeks

DATE

2025.3-4

What is Spacenode?

Imagine if the spaceship you built with blocks could actually fly in a video game. SpaceNode is a physical controller where you snap together hexagonal modules to build your own UFO. Every block you add immediately changes your ship's stats on the iPad screen—like adding a thruster boosts speed but also adds weight and drains energy. Instead of memorizing boring physics formulas, you learn by tweaking and testing your design to beat real space missions.

During the research we found

STEM can feel unapproachable or less exciting for many kids.

Define the problem

HMW Transform tedious astrophysics lessons into a fun, beginner-friendly experience that kids can easily explore and enjoy on their own?

We designed

Spacenode

SpaceNode lets you build a physical UFO that actually flies in a game. Snap modules together and watch stats like speed and energy update instantly on your iPad. It’s hands-on rocket science without the boring formulas—think Lego meets a space flight simulator.

Mission

Build UFO

Launch UFo

Test UFo

Understand mission to complete

Build with physical blocks

Follow trajectory of path

Achieve mission

Mission

Refresh New Mission

Generated at random depending on user level

Alien Coins

Earned to purchase advanced components in build

Mission

Refresh New Mission

Generated at random depending on user level

Alien Coins

Earned to purchase advanced components in build

Mission

Refresh New Mission

Generated at random depending on user level

Alien Coins

Earned to purchase advanced components in build

Building

Refresh New Mission

Generated at random depending on user level

Alien Coins

Earned to purchase advanced components in build

What are we Building?

UFO launching to Earth that MUST Fulfill

Main component

Mission block

Building

Refresh New Mission

Generated at random depending on user level

Alien Coins

Earned to purchase advanced components in build

What are we Building?

UFO launching to Earth that MUST Fulfill

Main component

Mission block

Building

Refresh New Mission

Generated at random depending on user level

Alien Coins

Earned to purchase advanced components in build

What are we Building?

UFO launching to Earth that MUST Fulfill

Main component

Mission block

Difference colors to visualize available block / lack of resource

This helps players decide which block to use without having to switch back and forth between interfaces.

Balance the overall Stats of UFO to complete mission

Build UFO with different parts will cause stats panel value changes. Achieve higher stats means higher chance to complete mission

LAUNCH

Take off

Follow trajectory

Arrive destination

Use wiggle stick to control path

Get all stars to save energ → more coins

TEST

Research

Kids needs spark in STEM

56%

Parents report their 8-12 children participate in STEM activities at least twice a week in afterschool programs.

Kids needs spark in STEM

56%

Parents report their 8-12 children participate in STEM activities at least twice a week in afterschool programs.

Kids needs spark in STEM

56%

Parents report their 8-12 children participate in STEM activities at least twice a week in afterschool programs.

Persona

Idea Iterations

We explored multiple ideas throughtout the iteration

key Design Decision

Engineer thinking, education, playful

Each block has there own attributes, combine blocks to optimize the UFO’s ability to achieve the task.

Hexagon as design language for interface

Hexagon brings a scientific style, which use accorded SpaceNode’s interface & block piece

Organism Metaphor

Introduced playful elements like Riley’s alien perspective, a fart thruster, and a jellyfish energy core.

Hands off from Screen

We wanted Riley to interact with the screen without needing to reach for it.

Designed a joystick to browse puzzle pieces and launch the UFO.

Takeaways

Real-time Interactive Feedback Enhances Learning

Implementing live visual feedback (such as trajectory paths and see block promotion while building ufo) effectively guided decision-making, promoted iterative improvement, and deepened users’ understanding of cause-and-effect relationships.

Visualizing Complex Data Through Familiar Metaphors

Translating abstract ufo/space craft data into relatable visual metaphors (playful UFO designs, component formation) allowed users to intuitively grasp and interact with complex information, improving accessibility and comprehension.