SCOPE - Build your telescope step by step
Diploma project at strate, 2019
By simplifying access to astronomy, the SCOPE service is intended as the neophyte’s launching pad in the incredible world of sky observation. It reconnects humans to the night sky lost in urban areas, by initiating them to astronomy.
Science is more and more complex, it becomes frightening for the general public. Yet, interest in extraterrestrial subjects is growing in popular culture. It was the start of my master's dissertation that lead me to SCOPE.
After my masters dissertation ‘Extraterrestrial Fascination’, I wanted to understand how astronomy is seen, taught, practised and shared. I went to museums, amateur clubs and searched on the web and books. I interviewed professionals, amateurs and novices.
Exchange with the amateurs of the Astronomy Club of Vélizy, near Paris
Different types of telescopes
Kitschy entrance of the astronomy section at Palais de la Découverte, Paris
The Zeiss Starmaster, projecting the night sky on the dome at Palais de la Découverte, Paris
A sextant is a doubly reflecting navigation instrument that measures the angular distance between two visible objects. The primary use of a sextant is to measure the angle between an astronomical object and the horizon for the purposes of celestial navigation
The Blue dot
Space X
Stereotype of the astronomers in a field
My findings were that practising astronomy is seen as something complex and out of reach of the normal people, preventing them from even trying.
The user discovers SCOPE's service through his mobile app. It gives him access to simplified & smart tools as well as a space for a like-minded community.
Through an interactive game-like training experience, the user will gain knowledge and unlock level after level. These are based on three large depths of stargazing: CONSTELLATIONS, SOLAR SYSTEM and DEEP SKY. At each level, the user is able to acquire a new part to build or upgrade his telescope, each time getting deeper into the observable celestial objects and enhancing his experience.
Thanks to SCOPE, the apprehended user places himself in the universe by developing patience and open-mindedness while observing the magical show our starry sky can offer us.
Prototyping
After setting the design, I produced a scale one visual prototype of the telescope to be able to demonstrate the size and have a support for my presentation.
Branding & illustrations
Scope means in English "browse with the eyes".
App interface
I created a mockup app to visualise what the learning experience could be. This would need further development and in-depth work from digital experts.
3D animations
I also produced Keyshot animation of the telescope in different configurations to visually show my audience how I envisioned my concept to work. Very satisfying.