Design for everyday life --- In Space?

The last shuttle mission ever to fly to the ISS (which is parked more or less in a low, geosynchronous orbit above the planet) is sadly, upon us. Yet, sadder still, no other serious replacement has been suggested, as of yet, to pick up where the space shuttle(s) leave off. However, thanks to free enterprise (not the galaxy class), more and more entrepreneurs will appear in the arena to further journey men into space.

One would be hard pressed to call the shuttle program a failure. Indeed not, it' been extremely productive and rewarding endeavor. The very first launch in the early 80’s, up until today – the beginning of the 21st Century, data gleaned from the shuttle program (as well as earlier manned space missions like the Apollo shots) gave birth to staggering amounts of innovation, which then filtered down into every industry imaginable. Nearly half century has passed since men last tread upon an extra-terrestrial surface, the time is right to begin the real journey. It shall begin beyond our moon.

Due to the fact that manned space exploration is in it's very early stages, design defers to pure engineering and scientific concerns. One look inside the space shuttle flight deck and this fact becomes painfully clear. Spacecraft interiors are totally dedicated to the work of astrophysicists, astrobiologists, materials handling/engineering experts, flight/communications operations and much more.

Yet, where is thought for the human side of the equation? Can deeper investigation of the interface between men and the machines (the space shuttle is the most advanced piece of equipment constructed by mankind to date) help to positively enhance the "user experience". The experience of living is space.

I suspect that eventually as space travel becomes more common place, and the demographic involved in extra-terrestrial activities becomes less homogenous - more thought in the areas of visual/physical ergonomics, semantics, psychology, usability (form-function), contextual alignment, intuition, and culture will help assist in developing environments for prolong use in space.

The user will become king.