Activating aerospace technology and science complexity with human-centered visual design
Recently launched
Project 1 of 5
Viral cat video in deep space
NASA sent this cat video from space with lasers. Testing novel space communication technology, Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) is transforming the future of spaceflight. To date, DSOC has transmitted data from 290 million miles away 100 times faster than radio frequency systems used by deep space missions today. In its first year since launch, the experiment has sent more data than the lifetime of any NASA JPL mission at rates faster than average U.S. broadband internet.
Status: Reached Earth on December 2023 at a speed of 267 Mbps (More info︎︎︎)
Role: Designer and Researcher
Skills: Research and Concept, Graphic Design, Motion Design, Media Strategy
Client/Collaborators: DSOC science team, DesignLab Studio
Duration: 5 weeks
Impact
Beyond exceeding sharing benchmarks by 740%, Taters the cat also captured the attention of major outlets such as CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, AFP, ABC, NBC News, BBC, USA Today, Space.com, National Geographic, and more. The public sentiment was highly positive. 😺
The video went viral, generating 2.6M impressions and reaching 451M people within four days.
Beyond exceeding sharing benchmarks by 740%, Taters the cat also captured the attention of major outlets such as CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, AFP, ABC, NBC News, BBC, USA Today, Space.com, National Geographic, and more. The public sentiment was highly positive. 😺
Approach
Given an open-ended brief, I collaborated with DSOC’s lead technologist and science experts to design a video that blended technical accuracy with mass (and specifically, internet) appeal. The video’s look evolved through an iterative process, balancing humor, kitschy camp, and NASA’s trusted reputation. We explained the video’s scientifically-significant overlay graphics with a companion cheat sheet.
This hybrid science milestone and publicity moment achieved 3 objectives:
(1) Optimized success comprehension for the mission.
(2) Captured public interest with an approachable narrative.
(3) Inspired further curiosity about DSOC and NASA’s work.
Given an open-ended brief, I collaborated with DSOC’s lead technologist and science experts to design a video that blended technical accuracy with mass (and specifically, internet) appeal. The video’s look evolved through an iterative process, balancing humor, kitschy camp, and NASA’s trusted reputation. We explained the video’s scientifically-significant overlay graphics with a companion cheat sheet.
This hybrid science milestone and publicity moment achieved 3 objectives:
(1) Optimized success comprehension for the mission.
(2) Captured public interest with an approachable narrative.
(3) Inspired further curiosity about DSOC and NASA’s work.
2 of 5
Europa Clipper Launch
One of NASA’s “most scientifically important missions” (NYT︎︎︎) will investigate Jupiter's icy moon Europa and uncover the potential of life in its ocean. As the lead experience designer for Europa Clipper’s touring exhibit Voyage of Europa Clipper, I crafted an engaging in-person, nationwide presence. The designs set the visual standard for the launch identity and ultimately the mission’s public reach, as we prepared for liftoff.
Status: Exhibited in 6 cities (More info︎︎︎), Spacecraft launched Oct 2024
Role: Visual Experience Designer, Graphic Designer
Skills: Brand Identity, Graphic Design, Print Design
Client/Collaborators: Europa Clipper Public Engagement, DesignLab
Duration: 10 months
We
worked closely with mission stakeholders to balance education, interactivity, and visual cohesion for the roadshow’s exhibit design:
Design outputs for Europa Clipper’s nationwide roadshow, laboratory presence, and day of launch experience:
Impact
Toured Locations
St. Louis Aquarium (St. Louis, MO)
Audubon Aquarium (New Orleans, LA)
ComicCon (San Diego, CA)
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (Falmouth, MA)
California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco, CA)
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium (Orlando, FL)
Orlando Science Center (Orlando, FL)
Actualized Europa Clipper’s design system and brought NASA’s most scientifically-significant mission to life for over 35,000 attendees nationwide.
Toured Locations
St. Louis Aquarium (St. Louis, MO)
Audubon Aquarium (New Orleans, LA)
ComicCon (San Diego, CA)
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (Falmouth, MA)
California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco, CA)
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium (Orlando, FL)
Orlando Science Center (Orlando, FL)
Role & Approach
Previously, the Europa Clipper team had an array of mission identifiers and key art and no system of executing these assets gracefully. Guided by the mission’s life-focused objective and the roadshow’s strategic focus on water, I championed the use of an approachable secondary typeface, established a type system, and centered on cohesion, brand expansion, and a science-appropriate, yet modern and energetic, suite of colors.
While utilitarian priorities guided this initial phase of design, I instilled more play and references to trends and internet subcultures in the execution of the team’s digital promotion strategy, social media presence, and collateral for special launch events.
Previously, the Europa Clipper team had an array of mission identifiers and key art and no system of executing these assets gracefully. Guided by the mission’s life-focused objective and the roadshow’s strategic focus on water, I championed the use of an approachable secondary typeface, established a type system, and centered on cohesion, brand expansion, and a science-appropriate, yet modern and energetic, suite of colors.
While utilitarian priorities guided this initial phase of design, I instilled more play and references to trends and internet subcultures in the execution of the team’s digital promotion strategy, social media presence, and collateral for special launch events.
3 of 5
Various Process-oriented Infographics
I supported the early-stage development of concepts across diverse contexts, from new mission proposals and methodologies for the science community to redefining mission development processes.
Status: In Development
Role: UX Designer, Graphic Designer
Skills: Research, Information Design, Graphic Design, Systems Design, Illustration
Client/Collaborators: Earth Systems science team, JPL Innovation Foundry, StoryLab, Director’s Office
Duration: 8 weeks on average
Impact
Created visual artifacts that clarified complex SME insights, streamlined decision-making across cross-functional teams, and made technical ideas more accessible to stakeholders.
Approach
While functionality takes precedence in these projects, I ensure the final output reflects strong identity and differentiation, extending its impact for long-term visioning. I work iteratively through sketching, rapid prototyping in Figma, and continuously seeking context to help teams move from ambiguity to clear, resonant decisions.
While functionality takes precedence in these projects, I ensure the final output reflects strong identity and differentiation, extending its impact for long-term visioning. I work iteratively through sketching, rapid prototyping in Figma, and continuously seeking context to help teams move from ambiguity to clear, resonant decisions.
4 of 5
NASA Content Creator Hub
Creating space content has never been easier with NASA's new Content Creator Hub. Debuting at VidCon 2024, the internet-centered identity distilled NASA’s expansive mission into actionable objectives, engaging over 55,000 attendees with exclusive access to space assets and launch involvement.
Status: Exhibited at VidCon Anaheim on June 2024
Role: Growth Strategist & Designer
Skills: Content & Growth Strategy, Motion Design, Visual Identity
Client/Collaborators: NASA Social team, Europa Clipper Public Engagement, DesignLab
Duration: 5 weeks
5 of 5
Cleanroom Education Redesign
NASA personnel undergo rigorous training to build and test multi-million-dollar spacecraft. I worked closely with technical instructors to redesign course templates and teaching aids for quality, consistent, and trusted manufacturing training. The revision-conscious designs set new visual standards, are compatible across course offerings and instructing styles, and reflect NASA’s commitment to cutting-edge engineering.
Status: Implemented January 2024
Role: UX Designer, UI Designer
Skills: UX Design, Visual Designer, Design Systems
Client: Manufacturing Technology Transfer Center (MTTC)
Duration: 8 weeks
Status: Implemented January 2024
Role: UX Designer, UI Designer
Skills: UX Design, Visual Designer, Design Systems
Client: Manufacturing Technology Transfer Center (MTTC)
Duration: 8 weeks
Testimonial from the MTTC’s lead instructor Katina Celio:
“What sets Elysha apart is her exceptional ability to transform high-level, abstract concepts into tangible, user-friendly designs.”
Please reach out for more information.
More projects launching soon!
More projects launching soon!