January 2022 - May 2022
Abstract Lab, Carnegie Mellon University
Mobile App Designer & Product Strategist
Portal NanoSat: A mobile application to centralize monitoring, testing, and optimization of nano-satellite operations
Project Overview
The Collaboration
Working with the Abstract Lab at Carnegie Mellon University, I designed a mobile application to centralize the monitoring, testing, and optimization of nano-satellite operations. The lab focused on developing nano-satellites to test concepts like on-device machine learning and custom inter-satellite communication protocols.
The Problem
The Portal NanoSat app addressed a critical inefficiency: manual tracking and monitoring of satellite operations. Essential data including telemetry information, testing reports, and hardware issue logs were scattered across different files and formats, creating operational bottlenecks.
My Contribution
I conducted user research with lab members, designed the mobile interface, and developed a product strategy to streamline workflow and improve operational efficiency. The solution centralized critical data and provided intuitive tools for real-time monitoring and testing.
My Role
- •UX Research & Strategy
- •Mobile UI/UX Design
- •Information Architecture
- •Usability Testing
- •Interaction Design
- •Product Strategy
- •Data Visualization
Tools
The Challenge
The Abstract Lab faced significant challenges in managing their nano-satellite operations:
- 1Fragmented Data: Telemetry data, testing reports, and issue logs were scattered across different systems
- 2Manual Monitoring: Researchers had to manually check multiple sources to get a complete picture of satellite status
- 3Inefficient Testing: Running and documenting tests required navigating between multiple tools and interfaces
- 4Knowledge Silos: Critical information was often known only to specific team members
Understanding User Needs
I conducted extensive research to understand the specific needs of the lab members:
- •Interviewed 8 researchers to understand their workflow and pain points
- •Shadowed satellite monitoring sessions to observe real-time challenges
- •Analyzed existing documentation and data management systems
- •Created user personas and journey maps to identify key opportunity areas
Organizing Complex Data
I developed a comprehensive information architecture to organize the complex satellite data:
- •Created a unified data model that integrated telemetry, testing, and documentation
- •Designed intuitive navigation patterns based on user workflows
- •Developed a tagging system for easy cross-referencing of related information
- •Implemented a search functionality with filters for quick access to specific data
The Solution: Portal NanoSat App
I designed a comprehensive mobile application that centralized all aspects of nano-satellite operations. The app provided real-time monitoring, testing tools, issue tracking, and documentation in a single, intuitive interface accessible to all lab members. The design focused on clarity, efficiency, and ease of use, even in high-pressure situations.
Telemetry Dashboard
Real-time visualization of satellite health, position, and system diagnostics
Testing Suite
Integrated tools for running CPU stress tests, latency benchmarks, and communication validation
Issue Tracker
System for logging and tracking hardware failures, power anomalies, and sensor malfunctions
Documentation Hub
Centralized repository for test results, configurations, and user logs with search functionality
Results & Impact
The Portal NanoSat app significantly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the Abstract Lab's satellite operations:
- 1Time Savings: Reduced time spent on monitoring and documentation by 65%
- 2Issue Resolution: Decreased average time to resolve hardware issues by 40%
- 3Data Accessibility: Improved access to critical information from anywhere in the lab
- 4Team Collaboration: Enhanced communication and knowledge sharing among researchers
Reduction in monitoring time
Faster issue resolution
Data centralization
Increase in testing efficiency
“The Portal NanoSat app has transformed how we manage our satellite operations. Having all our data in one place and accessible from anywhere has made our team significantly more efficient. The real-time monitoring capabilities have been particularly valuable for quickly identifying and addressing potential issues.”
Dr. James Lee
Director, Abstract Lab
Future Enhancements
Predictive Analytics
Implementing machine learning algorithms to predict potential hardware failures before they occur
Remote Control
Adding secure remote control capabilities to adjust satellite parameters and run tests remotely
Collaboration Tools
Integrating real-time chat and annotation features to enhance team communication during operations
Explore My Other CMU Projects
Check out my work with Xu Lab and CyLab at Carnegie Mellon.