Abstract

Galaxy Tales is a mobile application that transforms users’ social media activity into personalized planetary visuals, offering a novel way to document and reflect on life experiences. This project explores how data-driven design can create emotionally resonant and personalized representations of identity by extracting key elements—color, object shapes, and emotional atmosphere—from digital footprints. Grounded in psychological theories such as memory anchors and emotional attachment, Galaxy Tales enables users to form deep emotional connections with their virtual planets, turning abstract memories into tangible visual metaphors. The project also addresses current societal challenges, such as loneliness and emotional fatigue, by offering a reflective and emotionally supportive space. The final app prototype features a minimalist UI, an evolving planetary system, and potential for expansion through AI-assisted data extraction and deeper interactivity. Galaxy Tales demonstrates the potential of integrating design and psychology to create meaningful, sustainable digital experiences.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Information visualization; Planets in art; Social media--Pictorial works; User interfaces (Computer systems)--Design; Outer space--In art

Publication Date

7-20-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Visual Communication Design (MFA)

Department, Program, or Center

Design, School of

College

College of Art and Design

Advisor

Mike Strobert

Advisor/Committee Member

Adam Smith

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

VISCOM-MFA

Download

Share

COinS