As part of a role providing technology consultancy, I led a study considering strategic opportunities and threats from trends in space technologies. I aimed to communicate to non-experts what the important dynamics within the space sector were, how these may be of relevance in readers’ individual professional contexts, and what might be done to extract benefit.
Need
User research showed that although there was a lot of interest in the topic, the technical and scientific baseline knowledge needed to develop true understanding presented a significant barrier. I addressed this within the established framework of written outputs by developing a short ‘primer’ to precede the main substance of my report. This approach was successful, becoming a valued product in its own right, but I felt there was a more engaging way to provide that required basic level of space knowledge using other media.
Solution
Space is never still: satellites are constantly in motion. Video offered a natural ability to convey dynamics, as well as a means of showing off some of the stunning imagery available related to space. I developed Space, Reviewed, a series of short videos, based on the conceit of reviewing spacecraft against a 5-star scale.
Each video focuses on one particular spacecraft, using storytelling as a hook for engagement. Key learning points are integrated within the narrative, providing both baseline knowledge and, in later videos, illuminating current trends in space. As a series, these videos provide an introduction to important aspects of space and space technology while staying accessible and light-hearted.