Case Study
Materrium – Making atoms tangible & chemistry playful
Designed an interactive chemistry sandbox featuring dynamic Bohr atomic models, reaction mechanics, and COPPA-compliant educational flows for iPad and iPhone.
Overview
Chemistry often feels intimidating when taught solely through static 2D textbook diagrams and memorization tables. Materrium transforms molecular science into an interactive, hands-on digital sandbox. Students, kids, and educators can build atomic nuclei, observe electron orbital clouds in real time, and fuse elements to discover molecular compounds.
Problem / Goal
- Abstract Microscopic Concepts: Grasping electron valency, covalent bonds, and orbital shells is difficult through static textbook drawings.
- App Store Kids Category & COPPA Rigor: Children's educational apps demand strict privacy protections, zero behavioral ads, and robust parental gates to prevent accidental purchases or external navigation.
- Scientific Accuracy vs. Playful Simplicity: The simulation needed to remain scientifically meaningful while avoiding confusing clutter for 9+ age demographics.
My Role
Designed the visual science simulation models, particle animations, orbital physics shaders, and multi-language parental gate flows.
Constraints
Ensuring 60 FPS particle rendering on older school-distributed iPads with 100% offline calculations.
Process
- Bohr Model Kinetic Design: Designed responsive 2D electron orbits that react dynamically when users add protons, neutrons, or electrons, making isotope stability intuitive.
- Synthesis Sandbox: Created a molecular fusion bench where dragging Hydrogen onto Oxygen snaps bonds together with energetic particle effects and clear compound cards (e.g., $H_2O$, $CO_2$).
- Gamified Discovery Loop: Implemented discovery quests and streaks that challenge learners to synthesize organic compounds step-by-step.
- Safety & Privacy First: Engineered a mathematical parental gate for settings and subscription dialogues to guarantee full COPPA / App Store Kids compliance.
Outcomes
- Enthusiastic Educator & Parent Feedback: Praised for clarifying atomic structure far more effectively than traditional worksheets.
- High Session Duration: Students average 14+ minutes per session exploring elemental combinations freely in sandbox mode.
- Safe Learning Environment: Zero data collection architecture certified safe for classroom iPad deployments.
Live Product
Next Steps
Designing crystal lattice 3D visualizations and expanded acid-base reaction simulations. Designing an edtech or gamified learning app? Let's talk.