Per aspera ad astra

Interstellar Lab is on a mission to make life multi-planetary. The company revolutionizes the cultivation of plant-based ingredients for Earth and space by integrating AI, advanced hardware, and bioscience to create scalable biofarming platforms. Collaborating with NASA, ESA, and private space companies, Interstellar Lab deploys AI-driven plant growth systems in extraterrestrial environments. Its technology optimizes environmental conditions—such as temperature, water, CO₂, light, nutrients, and microorganisms—to maximize yields and enhance the production of unique metabolites. Supporting a vast range of plant species, from microgreens to endangered flora, the platform serves applications in health, beauty, agriculture, and biodiversity conservation. Using data-driven precision, Interstellar Lab refines plant growth to improve yield, phenotype, and metabolite output, driven by a mission to sustain life on Earth while expanding it to space.

Interplanetary Platform

Interstellar Lab’s digital platform provides users with the ability to remotely manage and monitor advanced biofarming modules, such as BioPod and Nucleus. Designed with a vision to evoke a solarpunk aesthetic, the interface was transformed from a tool primarily used for pitches into a functional, user-centric MVP. This shift was brought to life throuhg cinematic UI that highlights cutting-edge technologies and the cultivation of life across the cosmos, all while maintaining an intuitive and user-friendly experience.

 

A User Interface Inspired by Closed-Loop Environments

The design of the platform's interface was heavily influenced by the visual identity emerging from Interstellar Lab’s plant labs. My day-to-day content production for the company's online channels, conferences, and presentations naturally revealed a color palette reflecting the core functionality of the biofarming modules. Six distinct colors were chosen to represent the six key environmental parameters regulated by the system: humidity, temperature, carbon dioxide levels, fog, air circulation, and water. This unusual method of blending practicality and aesthetics not only reinforced the brand’s identity but also created a cohesive, visually striking user experience.

 

Designed for On-Site Research & Development

A mobile-first approach was essential to ensure the usability of the platform for technicians, botanists, and other BioPod operators who often work in protective gear. The interface was optimized for handheld devices, allowing users to access real-time data streams and manage controls seamlessly, even while working on-site in challenging conditions. Testing the design with end-users was highly efficient, as many of the technicians and operators were located on-site, making it easy to gather feedback and refine the system for practical day-to-day operations in both research and development contexts.

 

Stellar Teamwork

The successful implementation of the new design system was made possible through close collaboration with the development team. Within weeks, the revamped interface was fully integrated, ensuring all backend systems transitioned smoothly from testing environments to the flagship BioPod before the September launch. This collaborative effort underscored the synergy between design, engineering, and operations, delivering a polished and robust solution for Interstellar Lab’s groundbreaking technology.