INTRO
This project was undertaken as part of the course IN2000 - Software Engineering with Project Work at the University of Oslo. The course administrators collaborated with the Meteorological Institute (MET) to develop case studies, with the stipulation that the resulting applications must integrate with MET’s APIs.
Case
"With a rocket launch, there are many factors that must be considered, and one factor that we cannot control is the weather. Therefore, we need continuously updated data on how the weather has developed during our launch window. This would normally be the job of a dedicated weather station, but we want to investigate whether we can use open weather data to make an estimate.”
Team and roles
Our project was executed by a team of six students as part of the IN2000 - Software Engineering with Project Work course at the University of Oslo. The primary objective of the course was to ensure that each team member engaged in all facets of the development process, providing a comprehensive learning experience. Throughout the project, we undertook a variety of activities, with team members rotating through different roles. This approach not only facilitated a steep learning curve but also fostered a dynamic and engaging team environment. The hands-on involvement in diverse aspects of the project—from design and development to testing and deployment—enhanced our technical skills and made the overall experience both challenging and highly enjoyable.
IT EVEN GOT AN AWARD!
As the semester concludes, the University of Oslo, in collaboration with the Meteorological Institute, hosts an awards ceremony to recognize the projects made throughout the semester. Among 55 participating groups, our project was honored with the award for “Most Innovative Mobile App Based on Data from the Meteorological Institute.” Receiving this recognition is a testament to our team's dedication and the high standard of work we achieved throughout the project.
Try the prototype
Tools and technologies
Figma, FigJam, Git, Github, Android Studio, Kotlin, API’s, SQL
UX RESEARCH
Overview
• Background
At the University of Oslo (UiO), we are collaborating with Portal Space, a rocket-building group that has expressed a need for reliable weather data to support their rocket launch projects. Our aim is to create a dedicated service that not only delivers essential weather forecasts but also provides continuous updates on launch conditions through a mobile app.
The goal is to provide detailed weather data, taking into account critical factors such as visibility, precipitation, and wind speed at various altitudes. This service will support safe and successful rocket launches by enabling optimal planning and execution through accurate and up-to-date weather information.
• Research Goals
We seek to explore how weather forecasting can be integrated into space launch systems, ensuring that users can make informed decisions through a tech-based solution. By understanding the key factors that impact rocket launches, we aim to design a product that delivers relevant weather insights in a user-friendly, actionable format.
USER INTERVIEWS
User interviews were conducted in-person alongside brief usability tests, utilizing a conversational approach that allowed for flexibility and deviation from the interview guide to explore emerging insights.
Affinity mapping
Research findings
Customizable Data Display
User-controlled sorting for relevant info
Precise Location Management
Accurate, savable launch site selection
Simulation Flexibility
Tailored, adjustable rocket trajectory simulations
Simplified Weather Data
Clear, visual weather insights for launches
UX DESIGN
Features roadmap
With this project being a pre-made case, some of the users requirements were already set. The takeaways from the the first interview was that we were confident that we could deliver close to everything the users wanted. One of the bigger challenges was to show the user a lot of data, in an orderly fashion.
User flows
Creating user flows was instrumental in clarifying the overall structure and navigation of our app. This process enabled us to evaluate and refine the user journey, ensuring that the flow was optimized and aligned with the best possible solution for user interactions and overall experience.
Add location to favorites
Change coordinates
Change values for rocket specs
Wireframes
The transition from pen-and-paper sketches to digital wireframes marked a significant advancement in our design process. This shift involved a steep learning curve, which is reflected in the evolution of our designs from initial drawings to more sophisticated digital wireframes.
Low-fidelity screens (early stages)
HIGH-FIDELITY SCREENS
USABILITY TESTING
The user testing involved a series of structured tasks designed to evaluate the prototype's functionality and assess the app's intuitiveness. This controlled approach allowed us to measure how effectively users could navigate and interact with key features.
Following this initial phase, users were given the freedom to explore the app independently, which provided insights into its usability in real-world scenarios and its capacity to meet user-specific needs. Our findings were comprehensively documented through user interviews, direct observations, and an analysis of task completion rates to gain a thorough understanding of the app's performance and user experience.
Outcome
Overall, the usability testing was highly successful. The app's overall flow demonstrated a high level of intuitiveness, with users navigating the interface seamlessly. The majority of feedback focused on minor backend issues that could be addressed with straightforward fixes. This positive outcome indicates that the core design and functionality of the app are well-aligned with user expectations, while the identified issues can be efficiently resolved to enhance the overall user experience.