Case 04
An Interactive Math Journey for 3rd Graders
Education
Math App Concept with Gamified Directional Scaffolding
Interactive iPad Concept for 3rd & 4th Graders
Project Overview
Yellow Brick Math is an interactive iPad concept designed to reduce math anxiety for 3rd and 4th graders transitioning from concrete counting to abstract mental models. By leveraging the narrative world of The Wizard of Oz, the app transforms traditional number lines into a spatial journey—using Yellow Bricks for positive movement (addition) and Poppy Fields for reverse movement (subtraction/negative numbers).
Problem Statement
For many 3rd and 4th graders, learning math isn’t fun—it’s intimidating. Standard digital tools usually reinforce a single, rigid way of solving problems through high-stress repetition. This approach fails to support neurodivergent kids who process spatial and visual logic differently, turning what should be an exciting learning journey into a source of fear and frustration.
Industry
Education
My Role
UX/UI Design
Platforms
Tablet / Web
Timeline
Feb 2026 – Mar 2026
Target User
Core Need
Learn foundational math concepts through play, curiosity, and narrative rather than high-stress drills.
Goals
Learn foundational math concepts through play, curiosity, and narrative rather than high-stress drills.
Understand that subtraction and negative numbers are fundamentally the same concept—simply moving backward along a single continuous path.
Build intuitive spatial awareness through visual movement (left vs. right) before dealing with abstract mathematical symbols.
Frustrations
Timed drills and strict wrong-answer penalties create a fear of failure that evokes deep math anxiety in young learners.
Homework can feel like repetitive drills rather than an engaging, interactive puzzles.
Lack of confidence makes transitioning to higher-level math confusing and intimidating..
Process
[01] User Research
Preliminary research was conducted through qualitative, direct observation with a neurodivergent 3rd grader (autistic learner).
Mapping direction onto a continuous physical path made the concept of negative numbers much easier to grasp.
Using distinct visual landmarks and color cues helped reinforce the connection between forward addition and backward subtraction.
[02] Insights
Users were frustrated by unclear error messages and redundant form fields.
Mobile users struggled with small buttons and unresponsive layouts.
Trust the platform with her payment and personal information.
[03] Design Solution
Designed large, rounded touch targets modeled after the physical Apple keyboard with (1-2-3) at the bottom) to maximize accessibility and minimize mis-taps for small hands.
Aligned the visual and spatial layout with real-world computer keyboards to build seamless, transferable muscle memory across hardware and software.
Repositioned primary digits closer to the bottom edge of the screen, keeping core interactions within comfortable thumb reach on both mobile and tablet devices.
[04] Testing & Iteration
Early testing with wireframe prototypes highlighted the need to move away from complex teacher/admin settings in favor of a self-guided progression.
Keypad ergonomics were refined during layout testing, adjusting button sizes and aligning digit order (1-2-3 at the bottom) to match familiar physical keyboards.
The interactive spatial path and story mechanics are currently an active work in progress, with ongoing iterations focused on translating the physical Yellow Brick Road concept into a digital tablet layout.
Outcome
Demonstrated a strong proof-of-concept for narrative-driven spatial math, transforming abstract negative numbers into an engaging, tangible learning experience.
Shifted the product strategy from a complex admin-setup model to an intuitive, child-first flow that minimizes friction in both home and classroom environments.
Established an accessible digital framework featuring large touch targets and familiar keypad ergonomics optimized for young and neurodivergent learners.
Key Learnings
Direct Observation Over Initial Assumptions:
Direct classroom observation with neurodivergent learner offered unexpected, hands-on insights that naturally guided and evolved the visual and spatial design.
Leveraging Real-World Mental Models:
Aligning the visual UI with familiar physical keyboards (1-2-3 at the bottom) reduces cognitive load, letting students focus entirely on math rather than figuring out the controls.
Classroom vs. Individual Utility:
While designed as a student-facing interactive concept, the framework has clear potential as a flexible classroom tool for teachers demonstrating number lines and basic operations visually.