During my PhD, I investigated new techniques and principles for UI, UX and interaction design in the coming era of quantum computing. My work focused on creating interactive learning experiences for emerging user groups, whose needs are not met by existing education systems. Through extensive stakeholder engagement, iterative prototyping and user testing, I developed a validated approach to designing accessible, intuitive interfaces for quantum computers.
I conducted knowledge exchange sessions, co-creation workshops and expert interviews with scientists, educators and policy-makers, identifying tensions, overlaps, and opportunities for design.
Together with educators, engineers and designers, I designed new ways of interacting with quantum computers. I took ownership of the design process from concept sketch to final prototype.
I designed and conducted testing sessions with target users, developing innovative metrics and data collection techniques to find connections between users' behaviours and mental models.
The project culminated in a design and prototype for an interactive learning experience, geared towards individuals with some computing experience, but no specific experience with quantum computing.
I named the design Think-A-Grid to acknowledge the inspiration I drew from Weisbecker's Think-A-Dot, a 1960s puzzle game for learning the basics of computer memory.
Driven by innovative interface metaphors and inspired by the learning philosophy of Computational Thinking, Think-A-Grid presents quantum mechanical principles as tangible, dynamic components of a problem solving task: to find the square in the grid that is the most red in colour.
I created wireframes and interaction mock-ups in Figma and ProtoPie, later using Mathematica to add data collection capabilities for user testing.
I tested the final design with 10 target learners, using a think-aloud protocol to elicit their thought processes.
Test results showed that the design successfully supported new learners in connecting quantum concepts to computing principles.
I created detailed narrative storyboards to design each step of user interaction and guide my prototyping process.
Snapshots from throughout the design process, including co-creation sessions, concept sketches and prototypes.
