Hera.AI
As Lead Product Designer, I headed the end-to-end redesign of Hera.ai’s early-stage web app, transforming a functional prototype into a refined experience for space enthusiasts worldwide. Partnering with Impact.ai and Terra Mater Studios, I defined the design strategy, built a visual language aligned with the European Space Agency’s brand, and streamlined the user flow for intuitive exploration. My work spanned UX research, design systems, and high-fidelity prototypes - delivering a modern interface that clarified Hera.ai’s purpose and laid the groundwork for future growth.
April - June 2025
Duration
Product Design & Voice User Interface Design
Role
Led the redesign of Hera.ai from an MVP into a visually inspired experience that reflected the project’s creativity and personality. The challenge was to reimagine an intricate interface to be paired with an inflight space craft, Hera, and make it accessible for both young learners and seasoned scientists.
Overview
Redesign the web app experience into an intuitive, engaging, and accessible interface that resonates with both experts and the general public.
Humanize Hera as an entity, not just a bot by shaping her conversational design, personality, and proactive engagement.
Simplify complex data through clear visualizations, 3D modeling, and UI systems that make telemetry understandable to non-technical users.
Ensure scalability and consistency by aligning with ESA brand standards while exploring bold, innovative interface concepts.
Key Objectives
Complete UI/UX overhaul of the Hera web app, including chat, telemetry, and visualization interfaces.
Conversational design system defining tone, flows, and error-handling for Hera’s chatbot interactions.
Visual design library and prototypes for scalable implementation, including high-fidelity clickable prototypes.
Product management support: scoped timelines, stakeholder alignment, and iterative cycles with Terra Mater Studios and Impact.ai.
Key Deliverables
I redesigned the Hera web app for accessibility, clarity, and engagement—turning complex space telemetry into an intuitive, educational experience. Along with a cohesive design system, refined conversational UI, and high-fidelity prototypes, I created a scalable foundation for ESA’s long-term vision. I also guided stakeholder alignment and iteration cycles with Terra Mater Studios and Impact.ai throughout the process.
Solution
Setting the Stage
From Minimal MVP to Engaging, Impactful Tool
Hera.ai came to me with a barebones web app—functional, but lacking the emotional pull and usability needed to make it indispensable for users. My challenge: redesign the experience so it didn’t just work, but inspired trust, clarity, and adoption among a diverse, mission-driven audience.
Here are snapshots of the old UI with some of my first impressions and observations.
Audit of the original MVP interface with insights and observations called out.
Immersing in the Mission
Designing with Purpose for a Social Impact Audience
Before touching pixels, I immersed myself in Hera.ai’s mission and context through in-depth conversations with the creator behind the project and the engineers at Impact.AI. These sessions clarified both the technical ambitions and the emotional experience the team hoped to create. I also reviewed available chatbot topic data, which revealed strong user curiosity around space exploration, asteroid missions, and spacecraft location. These insights grounded the redesign in a balance of scientific accuracy, accessibility, and a sense of wonder.
Considering accessibility of complex scientific information for all who are interested
Crafting a Clear Intuitive Flow
Turning Complexity into Effortless Navigation
Hera.ai’s MVP lacked clear hierarchy and intuitive navigation. I streamlined the information architecture, defined consistent interaction patterns, and built a visual language that guided users naturally from input to insight—no manual required.
A user flow diagram before and after, showing a more elegant path of navigation.
Designing for Delight and Trust
Visual Design That Speaks Credibility
Social impact tools need to balance warmth and authority. I developed a cohesive design system—colors, typography, spacing, and iconography—that felt approachable yet professional. Microinteractions added a layer of delight, reinforcing that Hera.ai was not only smart, but also enjoyable to use.
Design system board, with the brand palette, typography samples, UI components, and iconography.
Delivering the Transformation
From Prototype to Development-Ready Handoff
I translated research and design into a polished, clickable prototype that brought the vision to life for both stakeholders and developers. My final deliverable wasn’t just beautiful screens—it was a design package with specifications, components, and guidelines, ensuring a smooth, accurate build.
High-fidelity prototype screens in Figma.
Impact
The redesign transformed Hera.ai from a barebones MVP into a polished, intuitive, and credible tool, driving higher user engagement and smoother onboarding. Stakeholders reported faster comprehension of the app’s value, and developers were able to implement features with fewer revisions thanks to the clear, documented design system.