Using interactive storytelling to help ground abstract concepts with real world consequences.
Electromagentism Learning Module was pitched for a National Science Foundation grant application and I was reponsible for developing the graphics that explained the visuals for the interactive teaching components.
Project Details
Individual
December 2021
Created for Quantum Physics for Kids online courses
My Role
Visual Development 2D Art
Visual Development 3D Art
Tools
Adobe Photoshop
Autodesk Maya
Substance Painter
Be the Hero and save the day: Characters Riley and Quinn find themselves in situations that can be fixed with the help of electromagnetism and quantum physics.
Throughout the development process there was a constant push and pull between designing activities that were challenging enough to feel like a win versus making it easy for learners to build confidence and momentum in the learning process.
We also experimented with the visual style, 2D art felt reminiscent of old flash animations whereas 3D art offered a more finnessed look that had the potential to appeal to an older audience.
Rewarding acts of heroism: Figuring out reward mechanics to keep learners motivated.
Similar to checkpoints in a game, everytime learners finished a big challenge they were given badges to celebrate the occassion. In addition, we also included a free play area for learners to explore ideas and creative pursuits, materials here were made available based on completion of tasks.
Invention Area accessible to learners after completing tasks.
I aimed to inspire a sense of wonder, showing that the world is more than it seems. Electromagnetism is a concept that makes sense with tangible examples and the goal of this learning module was to make those examples accessible through a learning app instead of having to purchase one-of-teaching aids and tools.