Exploring UX/UI Design in a Fictional Future

TERA was born as an academic exercise during my Master's program at UDIT. Over 7 weeks, I embarked on a journey to explore the intersection of UX/UI design, sustainability, and human connection in a futuristic setting.

Designing for the Year 2125

The year is 2125. The world has changed—climate shifts, technological revolutions, and new ways of living have reshaped society. In this reality, how do people interact with technology? How does design adapt to human needs in an ever-evolving landscape?

The goal?

To create a technological ecosystem that is not only functional but also deeply intuitive and emotionally resonant.

The Challenge Designing for an Uncertain Future

The challenge was clear but ambitious: How do we design an experience that supports the training and performance of elite athletes in a highly advanced future? This led to a series of thought-provoking questions:
  • What kind of technology will enhance athletic training and recovery in 2125?
  • How will data and biometrics influence sports performance?
  • How can UX/UI design ensure an intuitive and immersive training experience?
Beyond envisioning a plausible future, the real challenge was crafting solutions that felt both practical and meaningful for future athletes.

Research Designing for Tomorrow

Research was the foundation of TERA’s development, approached through two key lenses:

1. Future Design Thinking

Leveraging speculative design, we imagined how technology might seamlessly integrate into daily life. This exploration led to concepts like:
  • Invisible Interfaces: Augmented reality lenses that eliminate the need for screens.
  • Sustainable Technology: Solutions that minimize environmental impact.
  • Emotional Design: Interfaces that foster human connection rather than just functionality.

2. Climate and Social Trends

Understanding how climate change might shape product and service design was crucial. We envisioned a world where energy was a valuable currency, and users actively contributed to its generation and distribution.

User Personas Meeting the People of 2125

To ensure a user-centered approach, we created detailed personas representing the needs and behaviors of future inhabitants.

Alex Vega

Age: 35
Professional triathlete (Ironman)
City of New Nordalia
Alex is a top-level athlete living alone in a self-sufficient apartment filled with cutting-edge technology. He’s passionate about sustainability and thrives on pushing his limits. Training and competing in a world affected by climate change is a constant challenge, with extreme weather and unpredictable conditions testing both his body and mind.

Interests

  • Fashion, art, and design (he loves painting murals on his terrace).
  • Experimental cooking.
  • Exploring extreme environments like glaciers and deserts.
  • Helping animals.

Goals

  • Improve his physical performance with accurate data tracking.
  • Use only sustainable energy.
  • Compete at the highest level.
  • Find love.

Frustrations

  • Dependence on energy resources.
  • The impact of climate change on his surroundings.
  • Feeling creatively and athletically stuck at times.

Customer Journey Map The User Experience

We mapped out user interactions to pinpoint key touchpoints within the TERA ecosystem.

Design Functional Minimalism

The TERA design philosophy revolved around clarity, usability, and aesthetics.

Visual Components

  • Buttons: Soft edges with subtle outlines.
  • Cards: Rounded corners with gentle shadows.
  • Icons: Minimalist, designed for instant recognition.

Color Palette

  • Earthy tones & blue-greens: Evoking calmness and connection to nature.
  • Neutral shades: Ensuring readability under any lighting conditions.

Typography

  • Space Grotesk: Modern and accessible for text fields.
  • Funnel Display: Bold and dynamic for headings.

Wireframes & Prototypes From Concept to Reality

The design process was iterative, refining concepts through multiple stages:

Low-fidelity wireframes: Structuring initial layouts.

Interactive prototypes: Testing navigation and key interactions.

User testing: Gathering feedback to improve usability.

Wireframes Components

Prototypes Componets

User Testing Learning from Feedback

We conducted tests with five users to assess usability and visual clarity. The findings:

Navigation: Scored 3.4/5, indicating room for improvement in flow.

Donation Process: Only 1 out of 5 users successfully completed it, highlighting the need for simplification.

Readability: Icons and contrast required enhancements for better accessibility.

Key Learnings & Reflections

TERA - The Hood was an invaluable experiment in designing for the future. Some of the most significant takeaways include:

The necessity of user-centered design, even in speculative contexts.

How user testing can uncover critical pain points and opportunities.

The challenge of balancing functionality and aesthetics in futuristic interfaces.

Beyond being an academic project, TERA was a thought-provoking exploration of design’s role in shaping a more sustainable and human-centric future.

Wanna work together?

  • Photo taken by Cesar ... Yes, I also love photography.

Ce.

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