A Student Built a Pocket Planet Tracker That Works Without Your Phone - Yanko Design

"The primary face carries a circular display showing real-time planetary positions: which planet is currently visible, where it sits in the sky relative to your location, and when it rises and sets. Flip the device over, and a second, smaller screen on the reverse offers a close-up planetary render. The UI uses pixel-art-style graphics for its planet illustrations, landing somewhere between retro charm and deliberate restraint."

"The interaction model is equally considered. A flip gesture switches between the two display modes, squeezing the body cycles through planets, and haptic vibration signals astronomical events such as meteor showers, eclipses, and alignments. The idea is that information about the cosmos arrives the same way a text message does, as a quiet nudge rather than something you have to actively seek out."

"What the concept is really proposing is a dedicated single-purpose ambient device for astronomical awareness. Smartphones can technically do all of this through apps, but a specialized physical object changes the relationship to the information entirely. Carrying something whose only purpose is astronomical observation creates a different kind of engagement with the cosmos."

Lumen Orbit is a palm-sized, disc-shaped device from CEPT University that displays real-time planetary positions and astronomical information. The two-sided design features a primary display showing which planets are visible, their sky positions relative to the user's location, and rise/set times, while the reverse side offers close-up planetary renderings. Interaction occurs through flip gestures to switch displays, squeezing to cycle through planets, and haptic vibrations that alert users to astronomical events like meteor showers and eclipses. The device uses pixel-art graphics and includes a woven lanyard with carabiner attachment. By functioning as a dedicated single-purpose object rather than a smartphone app, it fundamentally changes how users engage with astronomical information, delivering cosmic awareness as ambient notifications.

Read at Yanko Design - Modern Industrial Design News