LearnQM
I design and develop interactive visualizations to help students learn the quantum mechanics behind semiconductors.
Context
LearnQM provides educational tools to help students intuitively learn the quantum mechanics concepts behind semiconductors.
Problem
Quantum Mechanics and Semiconductor Physics are the foundations taught in core science and engineering courses. Educators face challenges in teaching the abstract, counter-intuitive concepts. Courses often emphasize mathematical rather than conceptual understanding. As a result, students often struggle to develop robust mental models and intuitive grasp of the concepts.
Challenge
How might we create interactive visualizations that teach complex concepts in an intuitive way?
Specific Goals
Create easy to understand yet accurate visual representations of the concepts.
Use interactive controls to allow students to test different parameters in the physics simulation and see cause and effect relationships.
Research
We conducted interviews with the users that asked them to speak aloud their thought process while using the product. The data from the interviews was analyzed using an affinity map. User flow maps and personas were created to empathize with users and their mindsets and pain-points.
Insights
Colors play a big role in grouping conceptual groups (such as positive and negative charges).
Ensure colors are accessible to visually impaired and does not detract from understanding.
Users are overwhelmed when presented too much information and call to action at once.
Limit the amount of information and possible interaction introduced per scene.
A student might get more reward out of figuring out information rather than being directly told.
Encourage users to experiment with visualizations to develop their own understanding.
Process
Conceptualizing the designs involved:
Learning the topic
Sketching designs
Making prototypes of the interactions
Conducting user testing of the visualizations
Iteration through both design and development
Due to the unpredictable nature of trying to simulate physics, often times we run into issues after coding is well-under way. So not all design decisions can be made up front and we have to continuously navigate them as problems arise.
Because of the heavy reliance on colors in the visualizations, it's important to run tests on the color accessibility as well as consider the contrast of shape sizes and strokes.
Final Products
After testing and refining the concepts, I code the visualizations using JavaScript and P5.js. The visualizations include interactions where students can change parameters to see how they affect outcomes. Each chapter includes multiple scenes that progressively adds new parts of a concept.
Website Redesign
I developed a new brand guide, redesigned and developed the website to bring more visual cohesion.
Wireframe
Styleguide
Custom Illustrations
Final mockups
Through this project, I’m reminded of the importance of UX in all kinds of domains, especially education. Through applying user research, we can actually see where students are struggling and find solutions that help them to learn in more holistic and intuitive ways.