Case study

User-friendly visualisation of hyperspectral data and insights

Project type

Academic

UI/UX

Client

Kuva Space

Year

2024-2025

My role

UI/UX Designer

Contribution

User research
UX strategy
UI/UX design
Data visualisation

Team

Maciej Kruczkowski, PO

Development

Shannon Ronaldson

Matti Bragge

Hugo Hardat

Brief

Kuva Space is a Finnish satellite company which specialises in hyperspectral imaging. Their SaaS platform, designed for non-professionals in a range of industries, utilises their powerful AI model to produce actionable insights based on complex space-borne intelligence. Considering the target audience is not data analysts, it was clear from the start that in order to deliver a great user experience, we couldn't simply dump data in a table and call it a day.

Near real-time analytics would transform how we react to agricultural challenges.

Making hyperspectral imaging accessible

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) offers powerful insights like identifying crop species, plant health, and pesticide effectiveness - all from a series of images. Despite its potential, the technology traditionally requires expertise in data analytics to interpret.

Designing a SaaS for non-experts

Kuva Space set out to make HSI insights accessible through a SaaS platform focused on delivering actionable information -not raw data. Our challenge was to simplify a highly technical experience for non-specialist users. We began by mapping user workflows, identifying pain points, and aligning the product strategy with real-world needs.

Business Goal

Build a demo-ready MVP to attract 50+ early access SME clients

Challenges

While Kuva Space had deep expertise in HSI, we lacked insight into the day-to-day needs of agricultural professionals. To design a relevant solution and position it effectively, we conducted in-depth user research to understand their workflows, challenges, and decision-making processes.

Discovering how users in agriculture can benefit of HSI data

Visualising HSI data in a clear and concise way for non-professionals

Prototyping a SaaS platform that engages users and makes their workflow more efficient with HSI

Discovering how users in agriculture can benefit of HSI data

Understanding the broader agricultural ecosystem

Agriculture isn’t just about farmers. Our research uncovered a diverse range of roles from insurance assessors to co-op managers. They all rely on timely, accurate data to make informed decisions.

HSI as a versatile tool

Whether it’s verifying weather-related damage for a claim or estimating yield for budgeting, hyperspectral imaging delivers tailored insights. By aligning these capabilities with each user's specific needs, we uncovered high-impact use cases that extend far beyond the field.

Visualising HSI data in a clear and concise way for non-professionals

Illustrating data and insights derived from HSI

HSI data is inherently 3D but can’t be directly visualized as such. The most effective approach combines the captured images with spectral data side by side, highlighting key detections.

To make this accessible, we overlaid agricultural data on familiar map interfaces similar to Google Maps, creating an intuitive experience for users. To differentiate data sources like general weather versus specific events (e.g., snowstorms), we introduced layered spectral bands that reflect how HSI captures information.

This layered approach not only aligned with Kuva Space’s brand but also enabled users to explore detailed spectral insights and identify anomalies seamlessly, without disrupting their workflow.

Prototyping a SaaS platform that engages users and makes their workflow more efficient with HSI

Bringing it all together

The platform features two main components: a personalised dashboard that highlights critical alerts like weather events or pest outbreaks; and a map-based data center for exploring insights on registered farms and key areas. Future developments also include adding a reporting feature through which users can customise, generate, and download CSV reports to support tasks such as annual reporting and insurance claims.

Dashboard offers a real-time overview

A snapshot of the user's area of interest that results in better yields, more accurate budgeting, and faster processing.

Free exploration

Exploring one's area of interest can educate users both on HSI and the system itself, providing a broader look into everything that the system can provide.

Reporting made easy

Custom reporting enables faster verification of claims, as well as making comparisons with external data sources.

Conclusion

Navigating a growing market

As hyperspectral imaging gains global traction - thanks in part to affordable commercial satellites -many agricultural SaaS platforms emerge. However, most struggle with visual complexity and demanding technical requirements that limit user adoption.

Conclusion

Kuva Space’s platform stands out as a user-friendly solution, delivering actionable HSI insights that can enhance agricultural practices and contribute to addressing global challenges like famine and climate change.

Working closely with a multidisciplinary team of developers and data analysts, cross-functional communication was key to a smooth handover, ensuring design intent translated seamlessly into the final product. The collaboration fostered continuous learning and made the project a rewarding experience.

Read all articles

User-friendly visualisation of hyperspectral data and insights

Agricultural SaaS platform for Kuva Space

User-friendly visualisation of hyperspectral data and insights

Agricultural SaaS platform for Kuva Space

User-friendly visualisation of hyperspectral data and insights

Agricultural SaaS platform for Kuva Space

User-friendly visualisation of hyperspectral data and insights

More Articles