Star Citizen – Cargo Crate UI/UX Design
Contracted by Cloud Imperium Games, I was tasked with designing the UI/UX for a specialized cargo crate system, built specifically for rare and hazardous materials within the Star Citizen universe. This required creating a skeuomorphic, in-world interface that balanced immersive visual design with clear, functional user flows.
My Role & Responsibilities
Designed the UI/UX system for a unique in-game cargo crate from the ground up.
Conducted moodboard research and translated initial art direction into UX foundations.
Created user flow maps and screen flow charts to define interaction logic and safety protocols.
Developed skeuomorphic UI design aligned with Star Citizen’s aesthetic and 3D asset integration.
Produced high-resolution mockups and a prototype (animated GIF) to demonstrate usability and player experience before engine implementation.
Process & Key UX Considerations
Immersive Diegetic Design: Ensured the crate UI felt authentic to the in-world technology and lore, blending utility with sci-fi storytelling.
Information Hierarchy: Organized hazard warnings, cargo type, and system status indicators for quick player comprehension.
Prototyping for Feedback: Delivered an interactive GIF prototype, enabling stakeholders to experience the design flow and refine functionality prior to integration.
This project highlighted my ability to move from research and UX planning through to polished visual execution, delivering a system that expanded Star Citizen’s immersive sci-fi environment while meeting gameplay clarity standards.
Crate in full view as part of the initially provided asset
One of the key challenge is to design UI/UX for the special cargo crate that MUST utilize the above terminal
Initial mood board research base on client's style guide
Splash screen wireframe
Crate content item screen wireframe
Content item detail view screen wireframe
Initial mockup with heavy Star Citizen Alpha 3.18.0 aesthetics
Finalized design prototype