Algodoo for Science Centers
2024 / An update of the viral physics education sandbox suited for informal learning environments
Algodoo, previously known as “Phun” is an easy-to-use drawing tool empowered by physics simulations.
The application is created by Algoryx and is designed for educational use both in classroom environments and at home. It is available on Windows, MacOS and for ipad, but has not been further developed during the latest years.
Role:
UX, UI, Content Development
Context:
Redesigned interface and user flow for Curiosum Science Center in Umeå.
Design Challenge
The current implementation of Algodoo is not adapted to fit the needs of science centers and other informal learning environments. The interface is too open, making it difficult to build educational narratives suited to open environments. Science centers such as Curiosum cannot set up an Algodoo project and leave it unsupervised. The visitors will “ruin” the project which requires a manual reset for the next visitor.
The users
The primary target group for the final product is children aged 10-15. These children typically visit the science center either through school activities or with their families: siblings, parents and grandparents.
There are many resources available to support user-centered design of science center installations. What is crucial to know is that science center installations need to be self-explanatory, educational, entertaining and durable.
Prototyping
An initial prototype was created for evaluation from science center personell and visitors. The aim was do design a flexible setup and encourage visitors to explore specific scientific phenomena vitout being distracted by too many options.
Content workshop
New content was developed together with scientific experts and educators at Curiosum. One scenario was selected for the first public version of the installation, a task in which visitors get to explore wavelengths and light refraction by moving waterdrops to interact with sunlight.
Final design
Two instances of the installation is currently displayed at Curiousm, as part of their new exhibition about scientific visualisations.
Tora Bodin 