Advancing Present-Day Life on Earth Through EdPlus-produced Space for Humans

Space for Humans is a groundbreaking video series that explores the intersection of inclusivity, innovation and space exploration. Created in partnership with ASU’s Interplanetary Initiative and produced by EdPlus, the series examines how designing for equitable and accessible futures in space can advance present-day life on Earth. With a mission rooted in the ASU Charter’s values of inclusivity, public good and community responsibility, the project brings together faculty, students and diverse experts to create engaging, educational content that resonates with global audiences.

In this Q&A, Associate Director of New Media Matthew Robinson and Senior Multimedia Developer Ricardo Leon share insights about the project’s origins, its alignment with the ASU Charter and the vital impact of student contributions. They also offer a glimpse into the exciting future of the series, including plans for Season 2 and continued expansion into diverse educational and public-facing spaces.

Can you tell me a little bit about how this project got started and the role that you all played in it?

Ricardo Leon (RL): The project evolved from a collaboration with Eric Stribling, who works with the Interplanetary Initiative. The initial idea centered on designing inclusive and accessible space futures and led to the creation of Space for Humans.

At EdPlus, we handle production and manage student contributors in all parts of the process. This collaboration allowed us to showcase our production skills and involve students in meaningful ways.

Matthew Robinson (MR): Early on, we recognized the quality of the content and its potential for broad outreach. As the episodes developed, we aimed to tie the series back to ASU by using it in online and in-person courses and creating resources for K–12 educators. EdPlus supported the production, editing and outreach, ensuring this project aligned with ASU’s mission.

All of EdPlus’ work is driven by the ASU Charter. How do you see Space for Humans as incorporating the charter’s aim of accessibility, public good research and community responsibility?

MR: The driving mission of Space for Humans is designing equitable, inclusive and accessible space futures. These principles echo the charter by focusing on inclusivity and ensuring no one is excluded. Each episode connects back to Earth, emphasizing how designing for space can improve life here from the “invisible norm” to broader, more inclusive thinking. It’s not just about design principles. We’re profiling a more inclusive mindset that falls deeply in line with the charter and being defined by that - not who we exclude, but who we include. That certainly applies to this notion of the future in space. 

RL: Space serves as a powerful-yet-fun platform for discussions about accessibility, mental health and design innovation. It allows us to approach problems creatively and inclusively. We want to explore opportunities in real-life applications while connecting them to ASU’s values of innovation and public good. Science fiction inspires us, but our work is more about science projection, imagining how current advancements can influence the future.

What is your vision for Season 2?

RL: Season 2 may focus on more direct applications of space innovations and explore interdisciplinary themes. For example, we’ve discussed launching a series called Space for Humanities that would examine art, entertainment and human culture in space. This aligns with expanding the project’s scope to include more contributions from diverse ASU departments.

MR: We’re looking to involve more ASU experts and broaden the interdisciplinary connections. Increasing collaboration with other schools and departments will help integrate the content into more ASU courses. We’re also considering topics like space-faring nations and planetary analogs to deepen the narrative and educational reach.

What kind of viewer feedback have you gotten on this project?

RL: Our highest YouTube viewership is on the Nigerian space agency episode with over 9,000 views. That speaks volumes. I think it’s because not many people are talking about the Nigerian space program. We wanted to recognize other emerging nations that are launching their space programs. We are “Space for Humans”, so we were mindful not to create something U.S.-centered and our viewers are responding positively to our global vision.

MR: We also have strong feedback from ASU faculty and the K-12 space who are using our videos in their teaching. They’ve been excited and encouraging.

Diversity is essential to this project. How do you feel student voices have positively contributed to this project?

RL: The diversity of our students reflects the broader ASU community, which is key to the series’ success. We have one student, James, who is researching lunar train infrastructure. He researched all the work independently because he was excited about it, and we were excited to help him develop the scripts for it. That kind of passion is contagious. The students help us stay connected to current trends and ensure the content feels relevant and engaging. 

MR: Having students host episodes like the Transmissions series hits differently. They're speaking to the younger generation we want to reach, and they represent a much more diverse population as well. And because they’re hosting an episode they helped write, it is a passion topic for them that presents a very genuine enthusiasm for their work at ASU and the value of higher education.

Is there one specific episode that you think encapsulates what Space for Humans is trying to do?

RL: The pilot episode is an excellent introduction to the project’s mission. The accessibility-focused episode and The Race Back to the Moon are also stand out examples. They effectively illustrate how inclusive design and innovative thinking are central to the series.

MR: The newest episode featuring Mike, an ASU Online student, stands out as it highlights the contributions of online learners. His perspective and passion for the project reflect how Space for Humans connects all students – both campus and online – to meaningful work that aligns with ASU’s mission. 

Is there anything else you’d like others to know about Space for Humans?

RL: At EdPlus, we’re uniquely positioned to merge interdisciplinary ideas like space, design, sustainability and art into meaningful content. We also take pride in managing and mentoring students who shape the series. We believe this project showcases the diverse expertise at ASU and the capabilities of in-person and online students to create impactful work.

MR: This project reflects the best of EdPlus’s capabilities in academic media. It connects with different audiences in K-12 classrooms, ASU courses and the general public on YouTube. That kind of versatility is a big part of its success. The series has something for everyone, and we’re very proud of it.