Astronaut App Competition

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This NASA Contest Challenges You to Make a Smartwatch App for Astronauts

— August 18, 2015 — Tech
A new NASA contest is encouraging freelance app designers to design the interface for a new smartwatch app which will be used by astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Advertised on the Freelancer website, the competition will run for about a month and will require applicants to design their app for use on the Samsung Gear 2, with a $1,500 prize in the offing.

Applicants are not expected to produce a functioning app, but rather a design for the interface -- in the form of PNG or JPEG wireframes that draw attention to the layout, look and feel of the design.

This NASA contest is a great example of the world's premier space agency using the brains and bright minds of the general population to improve conditions for astronauts.

Trend Themes

  1. Smartwatch App Design — There is room for disruptive innovation in designing more intuitive and efficient smartwatch apps for astronauts and the general public.
  2. Crowdsourced Design Contests — Hosting crowdsourced design contests could be an effective way for companies to receive innovative design ideas from freelance designers.
  3. Collaborating with Freelancers — More traditional companies could benefit from collaborating with freelance designers for fresh and innovative ideas.

Industry Implications

  1. Space Exploration Industry — There is potential for innovative technologies to be developed and implemented in the space exploration industry.
  2. Smartwatch Industry — Smartwatch companies could benefit from incorporating innovative ideas from freelance designers to improve their products.
  3. Freelance Design Industry — The freelance design industry could be impacted positively by more companies hosting crowdsourced design contests in the future.
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