NASA 101 – Case Study

The Sutter Group was asked to create a flash-based microsite for NASA directed toward middle and high-school age students that was interactive, containing 3-D animation and streaming video. Using hubble photography and brightly colored tabs to organize the information presented, The Sutter Group developed a site that was both entertaining and informational, providing students with topical resource material for their courses as well as engendering an interest in space exploration.

The landing page of the five subcategories – Science, Exploration, Operations, Aeronautics and Education – each contained a 3D Feature, such as this one about the Mars Rover, as well as a movie. User experience design was a key consideration as we developed this site, as we wanted to make sure it was as easy to understand and navigate as possible.

This page allows visitors to mouseover the 3D Feature revealing more detail about the subject; in this case, to present information about the “eyes” of the Mars Rover. It was key to make a highly-technical subject matter easy for users to digest. Mission accomplished.

The Aeronautics page featured a 3D rendering of the X-48B, a prototype aircraft that is quieter and more fuel-efficient, and that will ultimately be used to carry both troops and supplies. Integrating 3-D and CAD illustrations in an interactive manner was a big focus for us as we developed this website.

On the operations page, viewers can see a 3-D movie of ISS, the International Space Station, or click on the 3-D rendering of the space shuttle.