Interaction Design in Commercial Human Spaceflight
Tags: Interaction Design, Space Travel, Space Exploration, User Experience, User Interface

RECOMMENDATIONS

COGNITIVE

Reading, Speaking and Listening

Although not mentioned explicitly during the unveiling or on their website, Dragon 2 could implement interfaces that encourage exploration, guided learning on aspects bounding the mission. For example, a guided tour and safety video incorporated with a natural-language system when in orbit or just prior to lift-off (like an airline) or during inter-planetary travel. Another example is the use of virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa that could either read out or listen to information or the crew interact by speaking to it. Another feature exhibited in the TV show “The Expanse” where spacecraft have voice interfaces (maybe not the best reference). This would provide an instructive, conversing and explorative types of interaction.

SOCIAL

Remote conversations

Remote conversations in the form of AV conferencing is currently in use on the ISS. Although not evident with Dragon 2, it is assumed this will be the case. The ISS has its own internet and astronauts can use email, AV conferencing, and social media to interface with friends, family, and co-workers on Earth. This is standard and should be expected to exist on the Dragon 2.

Tele-presence

There is no evidence to suggest that telepresence will be used on the Dragon 2. Therefore, this is a recommendation of the potential of using telepresence within Dragon to interface with the external environment. For example, crew traveling to Mars or the Moon could control robots on the planet when in orbit. In the case of a tourist to Mars, controlling a Virtual Reality (VR) capable robot could give them an idea of the weather on Mars and help them decide if they would want to land or just take a trip around Mars. Tele-presence can also be used for manual docking by crew in the case of an emergency.

Co-presence

It is not evident currently whether co-presence technologies actually exist as part of the Dragon 2 for the crew experience therefore, it is hard to establish whether their interface is good or bad. Saying this, having co-presence technologies is something to consider and thus, a recommendation to improve the private/public astronaut’s experience. For example, Surface tablets would be vital at performing on-the-fly orbital simulations or designing a custom trip around planets. This could aid the crew in figuring out how they could perform maneuvers to reach a target destination.

Coordination mechanisms

These are bread-n-butter mechanisms for coordination currently in place and used in the past. Albeit most checklists, to-do lists, calendars are on checkerboards and paper. A suggestion to improve this would be to use tablets and co-presence technologies where the crew can coordinate with each other. Not evident with Dragon 2, it is suspected this will be implemented.

EMOTIONAL

Expressive interfaces

It is not evident what Dragon 2 is equipped with when considering long-haul travel. In these cases, expressive and friendly interfaces will aid in better emotional outcomes for the crew. Research suggests that crew in space can be predisposed to emotional fatigue and therefore, having warm colors, expressive and friendly interfaces can provide a more positive experience for the crew. This should also include when dealing with frustrating interfaces. For example, including a warm and soothing sound rather something exasperating when an error occurs.

Anthropomorphism

It is not evident in the case of introducing anthropomorphism within interfaces in Dragon 2. This is definitely a recommendation. Mentioned prior — virtual agents such as Siri, Alexa or Cortana are great examples to improve user experience prior, during and after space travel. Having a reassuring voice other than another human has a positive impact on them and it has been shown that psychological closing can occur among isolated groups over time. On long-haul trips, for example, crew members communicate less with some ground control personnel which could perturb communication flow. By having a virtual agent/assistant, it can be an intermediary between the crew and health personnel on the ground monitoring the crews’ health.