Hexabot
(Application)
This is a submission project for the Bending Spoons Designflows Competition 2025. The focus is to design an app that helps lunar pioneers manage Hexabots effortlessly and efficiently by assigning tasks, tracking progress, and receiving vital updates.
Role
UI Design
UX Design
Team
Tessa Cervantes Roth
Client
Hexabot
Time
4 days
Problem
In a parallel universe in the year 2025, humanity has established lunar settlements where survival hinges on the use of Hexabots, multi-purpose robots critical to daily life and mission success. However, managing these robots has proven difficult. The current app, developed with limited UX focus, is insufficient for users operating under high-pressure, physically demanding conditions. Both researchers and families struggle with slow task assignments, unclear updates, and unintuitive controls particularly when multitasking, in emergencies, or when physically constrained (e.g., in space suits).
Key insight
Lunar pioneers, both technical and non-technical need a fast, intuitive, and adaptable way to manage Hexabots in high-pressure, physically constrained environments.
Despite relying heavily on Hexabots for survival and mission-critical tasks, users are currently hindered by a clunky interface that doesn't match their urgency, mobility limitations, or need for clarity. Real-time updates, rapid task assignment, and hands-free interaction (like voice control) are not just nice-to-have features but they are essential for reducing stress and enabling efficient operations on the Moon.
Goal
Design an intuitive and efficient app interface that enables lunar pioneers to effortlessly manage Hexabots by including assigning tasks, tracking real-time progress, and receiving crucial updates and all while accounting for the harsh lunar environment and diverse user needs.
Solutions
01.
Real-time, glanceable status updates to support frequent status checks.​
02.
Voice-command functionality for hands-free operations during physically restricted scenarios.
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03.
Responsive design, suitable for use with limited dexterity (e.g., while wearing gloves or during low-visibility conditions).​
User research summary
User Profiles
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Explorers & Researchers
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Mission-driven, multitasking, and time-sensitive.
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Require quick, efficient task execution and data monitoring.
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Families
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Non-technical, using Hexabots for daily survival tasks.
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Need a simple, intuitive interface with minimal learning curve.
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Behavioral Patterns
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Users check Hexabot status 7–10 times daily, emphasizing the need for real-time, digestible updates.
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65% of task assignments are made in urgent, unplanned scenarios, requiring a fast and guided process.
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Users often operate in physically restrictive conditions (e.g., gloves, helmets), limiting precision and screen usability.
User research: pain points
Insufficient Personalization & Identification
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Users can’t easily distinguish between Hexabots working in the same area or task.
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No options to personalize names, appearances, or behaviors.
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Lack of Real-Time Feedback
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Users rely on frequent status checks but don’t receive timely or easily scannable updates.
No Voice or Hands-Free Control
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Limits usability during manual operations or while wearing suits.
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A major gap in environments where traditional touch input isn't feasible.
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I integrated my IA and paper wireframes into a digital wireframe. After many iterations, these wireframes best represented the user flow and user needs.
Large images, minimal text and call-to-action for more information.
A homepage where personal user information and company updates can be published instantly.
Accessible tabs to pages from navigation tab to footer of page.
Application
Website
Wireframes
The wireframes focus on creating a streamlined and accessible interface tailored for lunar pioneers managing Hexabots in high-stress environments. The home screen provides a quick overview of all Hexabots, showing real-time status, location, and active tasks at a glance. Task assignment flows are optimized for speed and simplicity, allowing users to delegate missions in just a few taps or through voice commands.
High fidelity design
The high-fidelity design brings the Hexabot management experience to life with a futuristic, yet user-friendly interface that reflects the advanced technology of lunar colonies. A bold typography and high-contrast elements to ensure readability in low-visibility environments. Animations and visual cues provide real-time feedback, while color-coded task statuses help users quickly assess each Hexabot’s condition and activity.
Interactive components, such as voice command buttons, task sliders, and bot customization tools, are thoughtfully placed to support both quick actions and detailed control. The design maintains a balance between technical functionality and emotional engagement, making the app approachable for families and powerful for researchers.
Takeaways
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User-centered design is critical in extreme environments like the Moon. Interfaces must prioritize clarity, speed, and accessibility to support both urgent missions and everyday tasks.
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Different user needs (technical vs. non-technical) require flexible interactions simple for families, powerful for researchers.
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Real-time feedback, voice control, and personalization significantly enhance usability and user satisfaction in constrained conditions.
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Designing for physical limitations (e.g., gloved hands, poor visibility) requires larger touch targets, minimal cognitive load, and alternative input methods.
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Next Steps
0.1 Usability Testing
Conduct usability tests with simulated lunar scenarios to evaluate task flows, accessibility, and clarity for both user types.
0.2 Voice Command Integration
Prototype and test voice interaction flows, focusing on hands-free task assignments and status checks.
0.3 Developer Handoff & Implementation Planning
Prepare design specs and component libraries for a smooth handoff to the engineering team.