Moe Na

Enhance Student Engagement with Interactive Simulations in Optical Fiber Manufacturing

Duration

Feb 2021- Jun 2021

Team

1 PM / Content Creator, 1 Designer, 2 Developer

Related Article

https://news.mit.edu/2022/desktop-simulation-mitnano-die-bonder-enables-virtual-tool-training-1024

Background

Traditional training is instructor-led and classroom-based, with a one-way flow of knowledge. Learners attend scheduled classes, and instruction follows a fixed curriculum. However, it can be resource-intensive and less accessible.

For enhanced interactive training, our goal is to ensure that students learn at least as much as they would from traditional methods, including textbook learning. Simulations aim to provide a near-real factory experience, allowing hands-on practice without material wastage.

Design Goals

"We've restructured the 'chapter' on optical fiber manufacturing into bite-sized challenges to create a more engaging and game-like learning experience. This approach is based on feedback that a single, large challenge can be time-consuming and frustrating for learners. By breaking it down, we aim to provide a sense of accomplishment at each stage, making the learning journey more enjoyable and manageable."

To create a 'real' factory engaging experience, we've integrated desktop virtual reality (VR) technology. This not only enhances engagement but also bridges the gap between the digital and physical worlds, making the learning experience 'less digital' and more immersive."

Setting up many properties for manufacturing lathe across multiple steps presents several challenges, particularly in ensuring that users understand the correct properties for different lathe configurations.

To address these challenges, the design of the interface should prioritize user-friendliness, intuitive guidance, and effective training. The use of visual aids, tooltips, interactive demonstrations, and step-by-step instructions can significantly enhance users' ability to understand and set the correct properties for different lathe configurations and manufacturing steps.

Building Confidence and Keep the flexibility

Designing Custom Build Steps: On the left-hand side of the interface, users have the opportunity to design their own manufacturing steps. This feature offers a high level of flexibility, enabling learners to tailor the manufacturing process to their specific needs. They can select from preset steps, which act as a foundation, or they can fully customize their own steps. This approach provides support for students who may be less familiar with the process, as they can start with a structured foundation and gradually experiment with customization as they become more confident.

Step-by-Step Visual Guide

Each tile in the interface symbolizes a step in the real optical fiber manufacturing process. These panels guide users through each crucial stage of fabrication, directing their focus and ensuring they understand the connections between properties and the resulting optical fiber. By interacting with these panels, users gain insights into how altering parameters and variables at each step impacts the final product.

Utilizing Interactive Visuals to Enhance Understanding in Optical Fiber Manufacturing

Integrating interactive illustrations into the learning process simplifies complex concepts, engages students visually, and aids comprehension. When users hover over values, corresponding parts in the illustrations highlight, reinforcing the connection between theory and practice, improving memory retention, and making learning interactive and compelling.

Enhancing Learning with 2D Animation and 3D Views

Integrating 2D animation side previews alongside Lab 3D views simplifies complex concepts. This design leverages students' theoretical knowledge to enhance practical understanding, offering a more intuitive learning experience.

Reflection System

In this system, students can review their work after manufacturing optical fiber. They check the thickness and refractive index of each layer and compare it to their expectations. If they don't meet their goals, they can adjust parameters and try again. This iterative process encourages continuous learning and practical understanding.

Revisiting Key Properties in Learning

The detailed performance and step-by-step understanding of the manufacturing process are among the most critical aspects of learning. These properties can be reviewed at various stages, even after the rod is drawn into fiber. This dynamic approach enhances their understanding for a more comprehensive learning experience.

Reflections

The fun and challenging part of this project is being the designer. I've got to get into the heads of the students, understand what they struggle with when learning optics manufacturing, and make it all click. I might not be an optics expert, but I need to figure out where they trip up and make the learning process smooth. As a designer, my projects vary a lot, and I'm always up for learning something new related to what I'm working on. I didn't do this in a vacuum, though. I've leaned on experts, asked loads of questions, and bugged my professors for insights because that's the fastest way to get answers. Plus, to make sure our product hits the mark, I've had rounds of user testing with college students, and we've tweaked the design based on their feedback. It's all about teamwork and adaptability, and that's what makes it exciting.