Challenger Documentary Book

Client
Graphic Design II at Illinois State University

Year
2023

Objective
To design an educational and visually compelling booklet inspired by the Netflix documentary Challenger: The Final Flight. This booklet aims to chronicle the story of the Challenger mission, its significance, and the lessons learned from the disaster. The project focuses on storytelling through impactful visuals, clear typography, and adherence to documentary-inspired themes to create an immersive and reflective experience for the reader.

Concept & Inspiration
The design draws from the solemn yet inspiring tone of the documentary, emphasizing the bravery of the Challenger crew and the critical need for accountability in space exploration. The visual language incorporates NASA-inspired elements, archival imagery, and clean, modern layouts. The booklet’s content is organized into sections, such as the diversity of the astronaut corps, the technical and bureaucratic challenges leading to the disaster, and the legacy of the Challenger mission.

Design Elements

  • Color Palette: A mix of deep navy blues, muted grays, and subtle white accents evoke the vastness of space and the gravitas of the mission.

  • Typography: Modern sans-serif fonts for readability, paired with stylized headings to convey importance and urgency.

  • Imagery: Archival photos of the Challenger crew and mission-related visuals, including technical diagrams and poignant quotes, add depth and authenticity to the narrative.

  • Layout: A structured layout balances dense historical content with striking visuals, guiding the reader through the booklet in a logical and engaging flow.

Execution
Using Adobe InDesign, the booklet was meticulously crafted with attention to narrative pacing and visual hierarchy. Key moments from the Challenger mission were highlighted with full-page imagery, bold quotes, and thematic sidebars. Special emphasis was placed on integrating the emotional reflections of the crew members with factual reporting of the events.

Conclusion
This project not only pays tribute to the Challenger crew but also serves as a reflective exploration of the risks and responsibilities involved in space exploration. It highlights the importance of learning from history to inspire accountability and progress. The booklet demonstrates my ability to blend storytelling and design into a cohesive, impactful narrative.