Abstract

Cosmic Legends is a touchscreen-based interactive kiosk that invites users to explore how different cultures interpret the same star—Betelgeuse. Designed for public educational settings, it blends visual storytelling, mythology, and voice interaction into a cohesive learning experience. This project challenges the Eurocentric approach of most astronomy tools by introducing global narratives rooted in Navajo, Tupi, and Japanese sky traditions. Users begin by tapping a glowing version of Betelgeuse, which transforms the night sky into a new cultural context. Each sky shift is paired with narrated myths, synchronized captions, and celestial motion design. The interface prioritizes accessibility with dyslexia-friendly text, high-contrast visuals, and simplified navigation for large-format kiosks. The thesis explores how interaction design can bridge science and story, supporting a more inclusive understanding of the stars. With speculative layers such as AI-curated myths and AR overlays, Cosmic Legends offers a framework for designing empathetic, narrative-driven educational tools.

Publication Date

12-17-2025

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

Dan Deluna

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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