Land a Spacecraft!

"Land a Spacecraft!" is an educational, arcade-style interactive that allows users to experience the challenges of atmospheric re-entry and spacecraft landing. This bilingual exhibit teaches visitors the science behind spacecraft design, velocity management, and landing procedures through a sequence of decision-based mini-games.

  • ClientNewAngle Productions - London
  • End ClientSheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre, Kuwait
  • IndustryExhibits, Museums
  • Services 3D visualization, UX design, Art direction, Motion graphics
Objectives

  • Teach core concepts of aerodynamics, gravity, drag, and propulsion
  • Simulate the real-world constraints of spacecraft re-entry
  • Engage users with interactive choice points and visual feedback
  • Provide a fail-learn-replay loop to reinforce STEM learning

Index
Let's start with the flowchart

Even though the aim is to create an engaging educational experience, it's essential to plan the user journey carefully. On the right, you can see the initial flowchart outlining the key stages of the user experience.

Let's take off
Introduction Animation

Explains concepts like:

  • Streamlined vs rounded shapes
  • Heat buildup during re-entry
  • Atmospheric resistance and parachute function
  • Illustrative annotations highlight physics principles



Wireframe sketches vs Final screens
3. Gameplay: 3-Stage Simulation

Each stage presents three timed choices that determine success or failure:

Stage
  • Re-entry Angle
  • Parachute Deployment
  • Retro-Rockets
User Decision
  • Too shallow, Correct, Too steep
  • Too early, Correct, Too late
  • Too early, Correct, Too late
Outcomes
  • Skip off atmosphere / Success / Burn up
  • Rip / Success / Unsafe
  • Out of fuel / Success / Crash
The different stages of the simulation
User Interface & Educational Design
Visual Style
  • Blueprint aesthetic with wireframe illustrations for early screens
  • Full-color animation for final gameplay and landing visuals
  • Parallax-style space backgrounds enhance immersion
Navigation
  • Persistent stage indicators on screen side
  • Bilingual text for all prompts
  • Countdown UI increases urgency and feedback
Feedback & Scoring
  • No numerical scores; outcome-based (Success/Fail)
  • Replayability built into UX
  • Final screen gives contextual success message: “Congratulations on making a perfect landing!”
Gameplay Video
Explore Video
Intro to spacecraftlander
Play
Conclusions
Reflections

This exhibit masterfully blends educational storytelling with tactile gameplay mechanics. The design encourages exploration and learning by doing, emphasizing trial-and-error in a safe digital environment. With a strong UX structure, intuitive feedback, and multilingual support, “Land a Spacecraft!” is a standout example of playful STEM learning.

Technologies & Implementation Notes

  • Developed using Unity
  • Hardware: Touchscreen terminals with audio feedback
  • UX Toolkit: Countdown triggers, animated transitions, multiple outcome paths
  • Languages: Fully bilingual (English & Arabic)
  • Design Process: Wireframes → Flow Path Mapping → Visual Design → Animation & Code

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