Overview
This tab-based e-learning experience is designed to introduce children to the solar system and the planets in it. It uses a simple, click-based interactive interface that allows a user to explore the solar system at a pace they prefer and learn more about any planets they find interesting.
Audience: Children who are curious about space.
Responsibilities: Instructional Design, eLearning Development, Graphic Design.
Tools Used: Articulate Storyline, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe XD.
PROBLEM AND SOLUTION
Teaching children about the solar system can be challenging due to complex scientific concepts, limited resources, short attention spans, scarce age-appropriate content, and misconceptions. However, it is important for their education and development as it helps them gain scientific knowledge, develop curiosity, encourage scientific temper, and become more aware of environmental issues.
This course has been designed to alleviate all of the above problems. It is intentionally made as simple as possible. It features a click-to-learn system where all a child has to do, is click on the planets they like and instantly learn some interesting facts about them. The information box categorizes the facts about each planet, this makes it easy for the child to comprehend and remember the things they learn.
Teachers can also utilize this e-learning module to make learning about space interesting and engaging for students. Using such creative, age-appropriate teaching aids, teachers would likely be in a much better position to evoke a child’s natural curiosity and help them find their place in the universe.
STORYBOARDING
The primary goal of this project was to introduce young children to the wonders of the solar system and to cultivate their interest in the sciences.
To achieve this objective, it was crucial to ensure that the information used in the course was accurate and error-free. In pursuit of this aim, I turned to the most reliable source of information on space – Solar System Exploration by NASA.
This website is a treasure trove of information about the celestial bodies in our solar system, including all the planets. With the goal of making the information easily understandable for children, I collected as much information as possible from this source. Subsequently, I organized and presented the facts in a way that would narrate a quick and coherent story about the different planets.
VISUAL MOCKUPS
Once I had completed making the storyboards, I proceeded to create the initial mockup using Adobe XD. In designing the mockup, I experimented with several color schemes and presentation styles.
Since the project was targeted toward children, I endeavored to make it as visually appealing and engaging as possible, without compromising the accuracy of the factual content.
To develop the graphics, I utilized a vector graphic sourced from Freepik.com. This vector graphic seamlessly complemented the color scheme I had selected, and the layout of the planet information tabs perfectly suited my objectives.
However, I had to modify the original vector graphic to a certain degree. This was because I decided to include additional information on the flashcards, such as the “Distance from the Sun” and temperature unit of measurement. Additionally, I rearranged the original graphics to ensure a better presentation.
DEVELOPMENT
The project was completed relatively quickly due to the groundwork that had already been done, including storyboarding and creating visual mockups. The only remaining tasks were to create the slides in Storyline and program the interactivity.
To begin, I utilized the updated vector graphics to create the base layer. Then, I added individual layers for each planet, incorporating information collected from NASA and organizing it in the desired format while maintaining consistency throughout. Finally, I added a red outline to the planet tabs to ensure that children were aware of which planet they were currently learning about.
TAKEAWAYS
This project is accessible in multiple formats, across a range of devices, from desktop computers to smartphones. Additionally, as this final product is intended for use by children, I have ensured that the course objective is clear and straightforward and that the information presented is presented in an intuitive and easily understandable manner.
