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COMMUNICATION

AND BRAND STRATEGY

A replicable immersive exhibition to bridge the National Lab and the general public while fostering international partnerships

COMMUNICATION

AND BRAND STRATEGY

A replicable immersive exhibition to bridge the National Lab and the general public while fostering international partnerships

COMMUNICATION AND BRAND STRATEGY

Evolving NASA’s Leadership
and Adapting Space’s Global Partnership Model for a Flourishing Future on Earth

02. 
Obstacles

Without a clear leadership strategy, NASA risks losing influence in global space governance and public engagement.

UNCLEAR ROLE IN LEO:

NASA must define its position as private companies take over operations.

 

FRAGMENTED GLOBAL COLLABORATION:

Without the ISS, space diplomacy lacks a clear structure, weakening international partnerships.

 

LIMITED PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

NASA’s research remains inaccessible to non-expert audiences, limiting broader impact.

 

DISCONNECT BETWEEN SCIENCE/SOCIETY

Many struggle to see how space research connects to real-world challenges.

01. 
Project Overview

A CRITICAL MOMENT FOR NASA'S LEADERSHIP

 

With the ISS set for decommissioning by 2030, the future of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) collaboration is uncertain. As private Commercial LEO Destinations (CLDs) emerge, NASA must redefine its role to sustain leadership and preserve its successful space partnership model.

This shift presents an opportunity for NASA: to leverage its leadership in science and diplomacy and model collaborative partnerships on Earth, fostering a flourishing future for all.

03. 
The Process

Our team conducted interviews with NASA members, capturing their perspectives on current challenges, present landscape, and future obstacles. In parallel, desktop research was performed to understand the current context from the viewpoints of scientific and governmental entities as well as the general public. Through collaborative sessions, key focus areas and strategies in smaller groups were defined. Further research included additional interviews with NASA members and cultural experts. Finally, prototypes were developed and presented to NASA personnel for feedback.

After initial research, balance was defined as the result of combining three factors: Resilience, Regeneration, and Justice.

Ongoing Innovation +  
Balance =
Flourishing Existence

+

01
REGENERATION

A flexible response to external stimuli that results in a better state

+

02
RESILIENCE

The circular flow of resources to replenish complex systems

+

03
JUSTICE

Recognition of the equal rights of all people, the planet and animals

+

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Our clients excel in science and technology, areas where they have made significant advancements in research, planning, and development. However, much of their expertise and knowledge remain within the realm of scientific stakeholders. 

To better support them in leadership and brand image, considering our capabilities and expertise, we should prioritize strategies that emphasize Culture, Education, Community, Health, and Communication as foundational pillars.

Our clients excel in science and technology, areas where they have made significant advancements in research, planning, and development. However, much of their expertise and knowledge remain within the realm of scientific stakeholders. 

To better support them in leadership and brand image, considering our capabilities and expertise, we should prioritize strategies that emphasize Culture, Education, Community, Health, and Communication as foundational pillars.

Culture ,  
Communication ,
Health ,
Community , 
Education

AREAS

First Key Learning

First
Key Learning

Focusing on areas where our informed expertise can offer the most value to underserved users from an alternative point of view allows us to meet people where they are

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How might we improve the communication between National Lab and the general public to facilitate access to scientific knowledge?

REFRAMING THE CHALLENGE

TO DEVELOP: LEO BEYOND BOUNDARIES

Selection

04

01

Definition

By identifying a diplomatically strategic country, National Lab fosters the collaboration ecosystem, partnering with a local cultural entity for logistics and management, offering them innovation and knowledge for engagement

Investment

A sponsor is selected to provide funds, a percentage of the total investment, or technology. The number of sponsors is adjusted based on contributions.

02

The local cultural entity initiates a call for participation, inviting artists and local companies to submit proposals to join the upcoming exhibition if selected.

Application

03

Artists and local companies are carefully curated and selected based on their alignment with National Lab’s flourishing values and work.

Providers for materials, technical aspects, and venue, along with other stakeholders, are mobilized to complete the exhibition's tangible realization.

Execution

05

Funds raised support the artists, local companies, and a scholarship fund, enhancing National Lab's knowledge and talent pool generating a continuos and feeding development cycle

Ongoing Impact

STAKEHOLDERS

VALUE EXCHANGED

01

By identifying a strategic country, National Lab fosters the collaboration ecosystem, partnering with a local cultural entity for logistics and management, offering them innovation and knowledge for engagement.

Definition

02
03
04
05

Ongoing Impact

Funds raised support the artists, local companies, and a scholarship fund, enhancing National Lab's knowledge and talent pool generating a continuos and feeding development cycle

04. 
Framework

STAGES

01

Stages

A replicable, 5-stage immersive exhibition at cultural hotspots around the world, open yearly

THROUGH

THROUGH

WHAT

/ New Partnerships for

Future Readiness

Prepare for the future of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Earth

HOW

/ Art + Technology + Science

Form partnerships and share the collaborative work and research

/ New Partnerships for

Future Readiness

Prepare for the future of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Earth

WHAT

A replicable immersive global exhibition. (Addressed in this use case).

WHAT

/ Cultural Engagement

Connect with every local culture and reach a wider and more  diverse audience

HOW

/ Sensitivity and Adaptability

Embrace and adjust strategies for every cultural setting

/ Sensitivity, Adaptability

Embrace and adjust strategies for every cultural setting

WHAT

WE INTEND

TO CREATE:

WE INTEND TO CREATE:

/ Translate NASA’s

Knowledge

Reach new audiences and enhance NASA's brand image

WHAT

WHAT

/ Translate NASA’s

Knowledge

Reach new audiences and enhance NASA's brand image

HOW

/ Sensory Experiences

Share NASA's knowledge through immersive, innovative methods

/ Cultural Engagement

Connect with every local culture and reach a wider audience

HOW

/ Art, Technology, and Science

Form partnerships and share the collaborative work and research

HOW

/ Sensory

Experiences

Share NASA's knowledge through immersive, innovative methods

HOW

A series
of strategies

To approach this opportunity we formed working groups, each focusing on a specific strategy prototyped for an assertive approach. These strategies included:

03

A globally aired week-long television program.

A globally aired week-long television program.

03
04

A platform for booking and managing tourism and business via LEO logistics.

A platform for booking and managing tourism and business via LEO logistics.

04
02

A replicable immersive global exhibition (addressed in this use case).

A replicable immersive global exhibition. (Addressed in this use case).

02

A dynamic and accessible website dedicated to sharing LEO content.

/
01

A dynamic and accessible website dedicated to sharing LEO content.

TIMELINE

Spring 2023  /  

4 months

TIMELINE /

Spring 2023  /  

4 months

SOFTWARE

Miro

Figma

Midjourney

Otter.ai

Illustrator

SOFTWARE /

Miro

Figma

Midjourney

Otter.ai

Illustrator

TEAM

Berni Lira

Laura Martínez 

Louisa Buck

Majo Fernández

Nora Iñigo

TEAM /

Berni Lira

Majo Fernández

Laura Martínez 

Louisa Buck

CLIENT 

CLIENT /

MY ROLE 

Research

Stakeholder Engagement

Strategy

Communication

Design

ROLE /

Research Synthesis
Stakeholder Engagement
Concept Ideation
Strategic Planning
Project Presentation

TOOLS

Qualitative Research

Quantitative Research

Ecosystem Analysis

Affinity & Mind Mapping

Concept Ideation

TOOLS /

Qualitative Research

Quantitative Research

Stakeholder Map

Persona Card

5Ws1H

Affinity & Mind Map

Spring 2023  /  

4 months

Research Synthesis
Stakeholder Engagement
Concept Ideation
Strategic Planning
Project Presentation

Qualitative Research

Quantitative Research

Stakeholder Map

Persona Card

5Ws1H

Affinity & Mind Map

Miro

Figma

Midjourney

Otter.ai

Illustrator

Berni Lira

Majo Fernández

Laura Martínez 

Louisa Buck

STAKEHOLDERS

VALUE EXCHANGE

04. 
Framework

05. 
Use Case

05. 
Use Case

Framework
Application

Framework

Application

National Lab selects Mexico as the location, and bone regeneration and diabetes as the main themes

Mexico is chosen to expand National Lab's presence due to its growing population and current investments. The collaboration focuses on life sciences research in bone regeneration and diabetes, addressing Mexican health concerns while complementing space research. This initiative integrates scientific exploration with cultural relevance, drawing on traditional Mexican culture. National Lab partners with the government and The Jumex Contemporary Art Foundation to lead the project, fostering innovation through contemporary art.

/ STAGE 1

LOCATION/

THEME

DEFINITION

Local Cultural Entity

Location/

Theme

/ STAGE 1

Mexico is chosen to expand National Lab's presence due to its growing population and current investments. The collaboration focuses on life sciences research in bone regeneration and diabetes, addressing Mexican health concerns while complementing space research. This initiative integrates scientific exploration with cultural relevance, drawing on traditional Mexican culture. National Lab partners with the government and The Jumex Contemporary Art Foundation to lead the project, fostering innovation through contemporary art.

LOCAL CULTURAL

ENTITY

National Lab selects Mexico as the location, and bone regeneration and diabetes as the main themes

NASA-team-Enhanced-SR.jpg

Mexico is chosen to expand National Lab's presence due to its growing population and current investments. The collaboration focuses on life sciences research in bone regeneration and diabetes, addressing Mexican health concerns while complementing space research. This initiative integrates scientific exploration with cultural relevance, drawing on traditional Mexican culture. National Lab partners with the government and The Jumex Contemporary Art Foundation to lead the project, fostering innovation through contemporary art.

JUMEX initiates a call for participation, inviting Latin American artists and local small companies to submit proposals for the upcoming exhibition. Supported by the Mexican government and National Labs, this call aims to attract diverse creative talents who can contribute to this year’s themes of diabetes and bone regeneration.

National Lab secures critical support for the exhibition through strategic partnerships. AstraZeneca, building on their 2020 collaboration with ISS NL, provides financial backing, while Google is approached for technological support. These alliances not only ensure the project's viability but also amplify its reach, combining pharmaceutical expertise with cutting-edge tech to engage a global audience and advance scientific knowledge in an accessible, culturally relevant format.

Artists and local companies are carefully chosen. Notable selections include Mexican-Canadian artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer for architectural and performance-inspired work; Argentine composer Santiago Santaolalla for original scores; and health insurance startup Sofía, seeking visibility. As small companies, Insightsurgery is selected for expertise in medical 3D printing, while NeuroDigital is chosen for innovative Hardware solutions in Tactile Virtual Reality.

Impact extends beyond the exhibition, acting as a catalyst to connect global communities and engage stakeholders in shaping a thriving future. Partnerships bring new resources, workforce, and technology to National Labs, while also establishing a scholarship fund to support aspiring talent through education access. This initiative expands knowledge for companies and stakeholders of all sizes, promoting a just and resilient future.

Insightsurgery creates 3D printed bone models while NeuroDigital enhances experiences with Tactile Virtual Reality, immersing visitors in culturally resonant digital environments. Together, these providers ensure that artistic visions blend science, art, and technology to captivate a global audience and showcase NASA's ongoing work on selected themes. Feedback is gathered to continually refine and enhance the annual exhibitions.

AstraZeneca and Google Partner with National Lab

AstraZeneca and Google Partner with National Lab

National Lab secures critical support for the exhibition through strategic partnerships. AstraZeneca, building on their 2020 collaboration with ISS NL, provides financial backing, while Google is approached for technological support. These alliances not only ensure the project's viability but also amplify its reach, combining pharmaceutical expertise with cutting-edge tech to engage a global audience and advance scientific knowledge in an accessible, culturally relevant format.

/ STAGE 2

INVESTMENT

PARTNERSHIPS

Partnerships

Proposals come to life through partnerships and collaboration

Insightsurgery creates 3D printed bone models while NeuroDigital enhances experiences with Tactile Virtual Reality, immersing visitors in culturally resonant digital environments. Together, these providers ensure that artistic visions blend science, art, and technology to captivate a global audience and showcase NASA's ongoing work on selected themes. Feedback is gathered to continually refine and enhance the annual exhibitions.

/ STAGE 5

EXECUTION

STAKEHOLDERS INTEGRATION

Stakeholders Integration

Proposals come to life through partnerships and collaboration

JUMEX calls upon Latin American artists & local partners

JUMEX calls upon 

Latin American artists and local partners

JUMEX initiates a call for participation, inviting Latin American artists and local small companies to submit proposals for the upcoming exhibition. Supported by the Mexican government and National Labs, this call aims to attract diverse creative talents who can contribute to this year’s themes of diabetes and bone regeneration.

/ STAGE 3

APPLICATION

CALL FOR PARTICIPATION

Call for Participation

PROPOSALS

SUBMISSIONS

AstraZeneca and Google Partner with National Lab

Building value exchange through partnerships for future resilience

Building value exchange through partnerships for future resilience

Impact extends beyond the exhibition, acting as a catalyst to connect global communities and engage stakeholders in shaping a thriving future. Partnerships bring new resources, workforce, and technology to National Labs, while also establishing a scholarship fund to support aspiring talent through education access. This initiative expands knowledge for companies and stakeholders of all sizes, promoting a just and resilient future.

/ ONGOING IMPACT

OUTCOMES

Outcomes

Artists and companies are selected based on submitted proposals

Artists and local companies are carefully chosen. Notable selections include Mexican-Canadian artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer for architectural and performance-inspired work; Argentine composer Santiago Santaolalla for original scores; and health insurance startup Sofía, seeking visibility. As small companies, Insightsurgery is selected for expertise in medical 3D printing, while NeuroDigital is chosen for innovative Hardware solutions in Tactile Virtual Reality.

/ STAGE 4

SELECTION

LOCAL

ARTISTS

Local

Artists

Companies/

Providers

Artists/companies are selected based on submitted proposals

Screenshot 2024-07-15 at 7.01_edited.jpg

Our clients excel in science and technology, areas where they have made significant advancements in research, planning, and development. However, much of their expertise and knowledge remain within the realm of scientific stakeholders. 

To better support them in leadership and brand image, considering our capabilities and expertise, we should prioritize strategies that emphasize Culture, Education, Community, Health, and Communication as foundational pillars.

03

In terms of group work, I learned that communication is key and that subdividing the group with leadership and periodic group reviews can make the process more effective and productive.

Designing solutions with the least familiar user in mind ensures accessibility. In this case, designing not for the "science nerd" but for the general public opened possibilities to reach the non-obvious broader audiences and make the strategy effective.

Writing a project mission statement as if explaining it to a young child challenges us to communicate our ideas more clearly.

 

(This perspective was enriched by insights from an interview for the development of this project with Sharon Zaga, founder of the Museum of Memory and Tolerance in Mexico).

01
02
03

Learnings

Learnings

02
01

Designing solutions with the least familiar user in mind ensures accessibility. In this case, designing not for the "science nerd" but for the general public opened possibilities to reach the non-obvious broader audiences and make the strategy effective.

Writing a project mission statement as if explaining it to a young child challenges us to communicate our ideas more clearly.

 

(This perspective was enriched by insights from an interview for the development of this project with Sharon Zaga, founder of the Museum of Memory and Tolerance in Mexico).

“Not everyone is a science nerd"

In terms of group work, I learned that communication is key and that subdividing the group with leadership and periodic group reviews can make the process more effective and productive.

03. 
Opportunity

Countries remain uncertain about how private companies will operate in the space sector after the ISS period, and these companies face ambiguity regarding the regulations and operational frameworks they must comply with.

 

This presents an adaptation and leadership opportunity for NASA, which must manage diplomatic relations skillfully and promote business opportunities through a model that encourages balance, ultimately contributing to a flourishing existence for all.

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