Session Goal

The objective of the co-creation session was to engage non-designers in discussions around various aspects of design solutions for space exploration. The concepts discussed ranged from technical aspects like dealing with radiation and low-gravity environments, to psychological factors like coping with isolation and maintaining mental well-being.

Activities

Participants were engaged through active discussions on a variety of topics related to space exploration design solutions. They brainstormed ideas, questioned existing systems, and proposed potential improvements. This interactive approach allowed them to delve into both technical and psychological aspects of the problem at hand.

Feedback

• Positive feedback included appreciation for the highly interactive nature of the session.

• Participants found value in discussing a wide range of questions from technical aspects to psychological factors.

• There was praise for the creativity displayed by participants and their understanding of user-centric design principles.

• Critical feedback suggested that providing foundational knowledge beforehand could enhance participant engagement.

• Grouping participants with similar questions together was recommended for more focused brainstorming.

Session Ideas

• Consideration should be given to physical properties such as gravity when designing products or systems that need to adapt to different loads or pressures.

• The idea of taking fertilized eggs from animals like fish or poultry into space was proposed as a sustainable food source for space missions.

• Addressing challenges related to operating vehicles on the moon due to lower gravity affecting traction.

• Understanding how light works on the moon, especially around craters where it's dark all the time.

• Exploring temperature variations between darkness and sunlight which could impact designs.

• The concept of modular spacesuits that can be assembled from different parts to fit individual astronauts.

New Ideas

• Designing training programs for non-astronauts to better understand the challenges and realities of space exploration.

• Developing a system for growing plants in space as another sustainable food source and also for psychological well-being.

• Creating a virtual reality program that simulates the moon's environment, including light and temperature variations, to aid in design processes.

• Investigating materials other than water that could act as shields against radiation due to their polar nature and ability to slow down particles.

Next Steps

• Incorporate feedback on considering physical properties such as gravity into design processes.

• Explore potential for using animals or plants as sustainable food sources in space missions.

• Address challenges related to operating vehicles on the moon due to lower gravity affecting traction.

• Further investigate how light works on the moon, especially around craters where it's dark all the time.

• Consider designing modular spacesuits that can be assembled from different parts to fit individual astronauts.

Surprising Takeaways

• Team selection for space missions considers not just skills but also personalities and compatibility.

• Water could potentially protect against radiation due to its polar properties and molecular web structure.

• Using photographers' knowledge about light diffusion could help set up lighting conditions in space.

Emerging Patterns

• Focus on safety measures like radiation protection and maintaining mental health in isolated conditions

• Emphasis on continuous learning and adaptation based on new findings or changes in circumstances

• Importance of understanding gravitational differences between Earth and other celestial bodies

• Ensuring effective communication systems for astronauts

• Challenge of temperature regulation on the moon