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NASA x Arisa Labs: Eclipse Soundscapes

Overview

Eclipse Soundscapes is an outreach initiative by NASA and Arisa Labs designed to broaden participation in citizen science. The project explores how inclusive design and AR-based storytelling can engage younger, more diverse audiences.

My Role

UX Researcher,

AR designer & developer,

Visual Designer

Bhavya, Sigrid & Nancy

Team

Timeline

March 2022 - May 2022

Figma, Spark AR, Photoshop, Procreate

Tools

The Challenge

Citizen science depends on participation, yet awareness and accessibility barriers limit who gets to take part. Our goal was to design inclusive and engaging experiences that motivate new contributors, especially those with disabilities to join NASA’s citizen-science network.

Research Findings

Our research combined academic literature reviews, online forums, and a custom survey to uncover obstacles and motivations for potential citizen scientists.

1. Academic Insights

• Inclusivity and accessibility directly affect engagement.  
• Recognition and clear benefits drive motivation.  
• Collaboration with scientists with disabilities builds trust.

2. Survey Results

• Inclusivity and accessibility directly affect engagement.  
• Recognition and clear benefits drive motivation.  
• Collaboration with scientists with disabilities builds trust.

Online Survey Demographics

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Preferred Platforms

What they hoped to gain

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Process

We developed user personas, mapped user journeys, and ideated solutions focusing on accessibility and engagement.

User Personas

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Design Solutions

Our research combined academic literature reviews, online forums, and a custom survey to uncover obstacles and motivations for potential citizen scientists.

1. Accessible Posters

  • Tactile, Braille-embossed eclipse poster with QR code linking to resources.  

  • Distributed physically and digitally to reach wider audiences.

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Poster Design

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Quiz AR Filter

​​Gamified experience where users test their knowledge and share results, boosting exposure and participation.
 

Educational Instagram AR Filters

Interactive Instagram filter that teaches eclipse facts through playful visual cues. Encourages younger audiences to learn science in familiar spaces.
 

Results & Impact

Outcomes

01

Increased Awareness: Multi-platform approach reached diverse audiences.

02

Higher Engagement: Interactive AR filters and accessible materials boosted participation. Multi-platform approach reached diverse audiences.

03

Recognition: Citizen scientists felt more valued and included.

Reflection

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Designing for accessibility isn’t an add-on — it’s integral to meaningful engagement.  
This project taught me how inclusive design thinking can bridge the gap between science and society.

Further Considerations

Expand AR filters for future eclipses and real-time tracking

Launch community recognition program for citizen scientists.

Partner with accessibility advocacy groups to co-design future features.

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