# Hestia - IoT Smart Telescope Control Mobile App & UX UI Design URL: https://rondesignlab.com/blog/work-in-progress/hestia-iot-smart-telescope-control-mobile-app > Hestia connects amateur astronomers with the night sky. It gives users the tools to control their smart telescope. ## Hestia - IoT Smart Telescope Control Mobile App & UX UI Design ## Client's Request > We want to give users a mobile-first way to interact with their smart telescope - with a clean UX for real-time star maps and customized celestial events. > > — Jonathan Pierce, Founder at Hestia ![Internet Of Things Solutions](https://res.cloudinary.com/ducxztw9n/image/upload/v1758269933/IMG_1_1390ff4dc8.webp) *Internet Of Things Solutions* ## About Hestia project Hestia connects amateur astronomers with the night sky. It gives users the tools to control their smart telescope, access star maps, and receive real-time sky observations in a clear mobile UI. - Industry: IoT (Internet of Things) - Category: Mobile App - Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA ![IoT Astronomy Product UI Design](https://res.cloudinary.com/ducxztw9n/image/upload/v1758269930/IMG_2_8732895492.webp) *IoT Astronomy Product UI Design* ## User Challenges Many users struggled with the complexity of operating smart telescopes. The product lacked visual clarity and step-by-step controls for beginners and casual users. ## Key Pain points ### Complex Onboarding Users faced difficulties connecting the device with the app and getting real-time coordinates without tech support or additional apps. ### Cluttered Data Output Live sky maps and tracking data were overloaded with information, making it hard to focus on objects relevant to the user's location and interest. ![Custom Iot Solution for Mobile App](https://res.cloudinary.com/ducxztw9n/image/upload/v1758269932/IMG_3_133838230f.webp) *Custom Iot Solution for Mobile App* ## Valuable Insights During the Hestia - Smart Telescope Control IoT Mobile App project, our research uncovered key behavior patterns that influenced design decisions. We observed that users needed simpler alignment, better feedback during sky exploration, and more personalized guidance. ## Major Findings Research for MyBike - Mobility Bicycle Management Mobile App project showed measurable user needs for real-time tracking, battery status, and distance alerts. Data-focused design decisions improved conversion and retention rates during prototype testing. ### 64% struggled with Setup User testing showed that 64% of participants were unable to complete telescope setup without external help. This insight led us to implement a guided onboarding flow to improve first-time success. ### 71% needed Real-Time Feedback Surveys indicated that 71% of users wanted live sky navigation features to better track celestial objects. The app was designed to sync with real-time star maps. ### 59% preferred Personalized Tips 59% of respondents expressed a need for tailored observation suggestions based on their current location and weather. We integrated contextual recommendations to help users engage meaningfully with the sky in the app. ![Mobile Smart Telescope UI Design](https://res.cloudinary.com/ducxztw9n/image/upload/v1758269933/IMG_4_04c57057c5.webp) *Mobile Smart Telescope UI Design* ## Our Solutions To solve usability and accessibility issues in the Hestia - Smart Telescope Control IoT Mobile App example, we focused on streamlining interaction flows and improving visual clarity. We implemented guided onboarding and real-time star mapping to support users at all skill levels. This solution simplifies complex telescope operations and encourages intuitive sky exploration. ### Guided Onboarding & Alignment We created a step-by-step onboarding experience to walk users through telescope setup and sky alignment. ### Real-Time Sky Navigation The interface was designed to display live star maps synced with the user's location and time. This approach enables users to explore the night sky with minimal effort and maximum accuracy. ## Our Solutions > Designing for Hestia meant translating the night sky into a guided, touch-based experience anyone could navigate. > > — Ailna L., UX/UI Designer ![Smart IoT Integration](https://res.cloudinary.com/ducxztw9n/image/upload/v1758269930/IMG_5_b39d9bae9f.webp) *Smart IoT Integration* ## Project Result The final Hestia - Smart Telescope Control IoT Mobile App ui / ux product allowed users to control their smart telescopes via mobile, with live celestial navigation and geo-based tips, resulting in a 60% increase in successful user interactions during the first week of use. Retention after the first week improved significantly. ## Retention rate ### +37% after first week Our updates encouraged users to return and explore new sky events regularly, improving conversion from first-time users to engaged observers. ### -39% Report Generation Time Task and report generation time decreased by 39% after redesign, improving internal productivity rates. ![Astronomy App Development](https://res.cloudinary.com/ducxztw9n/image/upload/v1758269932/IMG_6_84d939452f.webp) *Astronomy App Development* ## Client's Feedback > Now that the core app is launched, we're already planning the next phase - bringing the same intuitive experience to tablets and large-screen devices. > > — Jonathan Pierce, Founder at Hestia ![Interactive Solution Smart Telescope Software](https://res.cloudinary.com/ducxztw9n/image/upload/v1758269930/IMG_7_a3b03ddc6b.webp) *Interactive Solution Smart Telescope Software*