The Author

Natalia Ruiz is a designer with a passion for bridging the gap between Earth-based design principles and the unique challenges of zero-gravity environments. With a background in Industrial Design, their work is deeply rooted in semiotics, human-centered design, and usability—prioritizing function while considering production methods and the lifecycle of objects.

After completing a Bachelor’s degree focused on ergonomics and design semantics, they pursued a Master’s in Collaborative and Industrial Design at Aalto University in Finland, further refining their approach to interdisciplinary and user-driven solutions.

Currently working as a Visual Designer at ICEYE, Natalia translates the complexities of SAR satellite technology into intuitive and compelling visuals, making advanced space capabilities accessible to diverse audiences.

Through Zero Archives, they examine how everyday objects—and the very foundations of design—must be reimagined as humanity expands beyond Earth. Each article dissects familiar designs, questioning assumptions bound by gravity, atmosphere, and terrestrial constraints. From utensils to habitats, the project explores the creative challenges designers (and all space-bound pioneers) will face in crafting functional, meaningful experiences in outer space.

Alongside research-driven analysis, Zero Archives draws inspiration from speculative fiction—films, books, and series that have long envisioned life in space. By examining these imagined futures, the project reflects on how fiction informs reality, and where design must step in to turn possibility into practice.

Design expertise:

Human-Centered Design
Semiotics
Ergonomics Research
Usability Optimization
Form Follows Function
Production Techniques
Obsolescence Strategies
Visual Storytelling
Space Adaptation
Speculative Futures

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Disclaimer:

Let's design for space responsibly, without forgetting where we come from.

BUT - Before we normalize life beyond Earth, we owe our home planet relentless care and repair.

Space shouldn't be an escape - our planet is and will always be our home.

I explore space design because human expansion beyond Earth seems inevitable and I am very passionate about the exploration of the Universe.

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Let’s work together