Accessible Learning

Prototype for Molecular Bonding Concepts

Tools Used: Adobe Illustrator · Hand Sketching · Rapid Prototyping Techniques

This project focused on designing an educational tool that supports diverse learning needs by making molecular bond polarity concepts more visually and physically accessible to students.

Scope of Work:

Applied user-centered design principles and the CRAP model (Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, Proximity) to create clear, intuitive visual cues that differentiate bond polarities through rod variations, ensuring clarity for all students—including those with cognitive or visual processing challenges.
Conducted Crazy 8 ideation sessions to rapidly explore diverse design directions, supporting an inclusive design thinking process.
Developed both digital prototypes using Adobe Illustrator and physical models, with a focus on optimizing for assembly efficiency and tactile usability, minimizing the need for fine motor precision.

Deliverables:

A functional, visually engaging, and cost-effective prototype of the Polar Bond Polarity (PBP) system presented to the chemistry department.
Design improvements that enhanced educational accessibility, comprehension, and student engagement in STEM education.

Key Skills Demonstrated:

Inclusive Product Design
Prototyping (Digital + Physical)
Design for Accessibility in Education
Strategic Iteration & Testing
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
Visual Communication & Presentation

This project reflects my commitment to designing equitable, hands-on learning tools that serve diverse student populations and improve access to complex STEM concepts.

PBP Design Presentation

Link to Deliverable Below

Group presentation 2

Collaborated with the chemistry department to design an improved Polar Bond Prototype (PBP) that integrates with Molymod kits and enhances student understanding of bond polarity through visual and AR technology enhancements.

Final Design

Using solid, bold colors creates a strong contrast between the rods and their background.

Highly Polar Rod

Solid Color Rods:

For users with color blindness or low vision, strong contrasts are essential for distinguishing elements.

The different colors can help users quickly identify and differentiate between rods, regardless of color perception.

Slightly Polar Rod

Striped or Lined Rods:

Adding visual texture through stripes or lines provides a visual cue for users who may not be able to fully rely on color contrast alone.

This tactile differentiation (if the texture is raised or detectable by touch) also supports users with blindness or severe low vision, allowing them to identify the rods by touch.

No Polarity Rod

Light Color Rods:

By including lighter-colored rods, we cater to users with low vision who may struggle to differentiate between colors that are too similar in tone or contrast.

Lighter shades against darker backgrounds provide easier visibility and can be more effective for those with conditions like cataracts or glaucoma.

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