Universeum
A UX research and design project exploring how Augmented Reality (AR) can enhance mathematics learning at the Universeum Science Center, addressing national challenges through engaging, interactive exhibition stations.
- Role: UX Researcher & Designer
- Timespan: 10 weeks
- Tools: Service Safari, Structured Observations, Semi-structured Interviews, Affinity Diagrams, Deductive Analysis.
Lack of Engagement and Abstract Mathematics
The core problem was that 16% of ninth graders fail national mathematics exams. Universeum needed a solution to increase engagement among children aged 8–12, whose interest in mathematics begins to decline. Existing stations lacked interactivity and made it difficult to visualize abstract concepts
Research Process and Driving Insights
We used a qualitative, human-centered methodology. Steps included:
– Service Safari to map user flows in exhibitions.
– Structured Observations (non-participatory) in 5 rooms to see natural behavior.
– Semi-structured Interviews with educators and children to understand mindset and difficulties
– Insight 1 (Abstract Anxiety): Children find math difficult when they cannot visualize abstract shapes/volumes.
– Insight 2 (Contextualization): Learning works best when math is connected to popular, real-world environments (e.g., the Rainforest).
– Insight 3 (Practical UX): Need for AR to create a clear bridge between physical objects and digital calculation results.
A Strategic Framework for AR Implementation
The outcome was 10 Actionable Design Guidelines, a strategic framework Universeum can use to design future, sustainable AR stations. The guidelines focus on leveraging AR’s strengths while ensuring educational value, simplicity, and long-term maintenance.
The guidelines emphasize that AR must reinforce reality, not distract from it. This means seamlessly blending physical and digital elements to visualize abstract concepts—for example, a physical container of water with an AR overlay showing its exact volume calculation in real time. Immediate feedback was crucial.
– Goal: Implementing the guidelines aims to increase motivation and engagement among 8–12-year-olds, with the long-term goal of improving understanding of high school mathematics (reducing the 16% failure rate).
– Direct Result: A user-tested framework for Universeum’s future investments in ed-tech.
The most important lesson was that AR in an exhibition environment is more than just a design challenge, it is an implementation and maintenance challenge. I learned to design with full consideration of logistics, accessibility (e.g., station height), and technical sustainability.
The framework must now be tested through interactive prototypes. Universeum also needs to continue collaboration between pedagogical and technical expertise to select appropriate AR hardware and integrate solutions into the curriculum.
