SpaceX explored replacing traditional boarding passes with a secure AR boarding experience for ISS passengers. The concept centers on a credit card–sized physical key that reveals live travel and mission data when viewed through a device—blending security, clarity, and spectacle.
Space travel requires absolute precision, yet SpaceX’s brand demands a sense of awe. The challenge was designing a core AR UI flow that:Secures sensitive passenger and mission dataPrevents information overloadCommunicates critical details instantly, even under pressure
Core UX Pattern: The experience was structured into three intentional states, each unlocking more information only when appropriate. This reduced cognitive load while reinforcing trust and security.
The experience was structured into three intentional states, each unlocking more information only when appropriate. This reduced cognitive load while reinforcing trust and security.
Secure entry point; no data visible
Essential travel details at a glance
Deep mission and vehicle tele
A restrained, data-driven design system ensured legibility in mixed-reality conditions. Visual elements were reduced to only what was necessary, prioritizing contrast and hierarchy. This kept information clear and stable as the environment changed.
High-contrast, tightly controlled hierarchy
Essential travel details at a glance
Deep mission and vehicle telemetry
Smooth, deliberate transitions to convey precision—not novelty
Based on the insights from our discovery workshop, I crafted a four-part strategy to guide the project. This approach ensured that every design and development decision was directly tied to solving a core business or user need.
An expanded view for engaged users, revealing deeper mission data including time to orbit, orbital parameters, and real-time launch status.
Locked state with biometric prompt. Motion and micro-feedback signal readiness without revealing data.
The primary state prioritizes instant clarity, displaying the passenger name, destination, seat, launch pad, and live T-minus countdown.
Multiple color treatments were explored to balance maximum visibility in AR conditions with a restrained, futuristic aesthetic aligned with SpaceX’s brand. Each iteration prioritized legibility against unpredictable backgrounds while maintaining a premium, mission-grade visual language.
The concept demonstrates how AR can replace utilitarian documents with a secure, cinematic interface—without sacrificing clarity. By combining biometric gating, progressive disclosure, and disciplined UI rules, the experience feels both future-forward and operationally credible.
To explore SpaceX’s AR boarding experience, I designed a visual system focused on clarity, precision, and operational trust. The system uses a restrained color palette, high-contrast typography, and modular UI components to ensure critical information remains legible and consistent across all stages of the experience.
