An Application Design For MathPlay - Enhanced Math Learning Games
An Application Design For MathPlay - Enhanced Math Learning Games
RESEARCHER
ALBUTRA, SILVER MAJESTY
BITOCO, WHILMAR
DEL ROSARIO, ANGELINE MARIEL
LUNGAY, GERMANY
OMALAY, ROMEO JR.
SARIBA, JUNUEL
ADVISER
EBRAHIM E. DIANGCA
OCTOBER 2024
ABSTRACT
Many learning apps today struggle to effectively engage users, particularly in
complex subjects like mathematics. Our platform, MathPlay, addresses this issue by
leveraging Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) principles to create a practical and user-
friendly interface that is easy to navigate. Additionally, we incorporate Computer Aided
Instruction (CAI) to ensure that users not only understand each topic but remain actively
engaged. By making easy to understand lessons with roadmaps from where they
should start and interactive questions each lesson to keep the users engaged.
We express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to everyone who has offered
invaluable support and insights while developing our research paper, “MathPlay:
Enhance Math Learning Through Games Design”.
First and foremost, we thank God, the Almighty, for his showers of blessing
throughout our research work to complete the research successfully.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to our great Instructor, Mr. Ebrahim E.
Diangca, for giving us the opportunity to do this research and providing valuable
guidance and insights throughout this research. His passion, sincerity, and motivation
has greatly inspired us.
Finally, we thank our beloved parents for their encouragement, patience, love, and
unwavering support throughout the academic process, which played a fundamental role
in the success of this research project.
INTRODUCTION
Math has a reputation of being an unpopular mix of difficult and boring. Many
students just aren’t excited to learn about math. And when students aren’t excited, they
tend to do the bare minimum before moving on to something they’d rather be doing,
which isn’t going to help set them up for success in math class.[1] One of the biggest
reasons why students find math hard is because they don’t understand its value in real
life. This attitude becomes harder to shake off when students are about to start high
school math, which is more theory-based.[2] Math is built on sequential learning. If a
student didn’t fully understand a previous lesson’s concept, they are likely to struggle
when newer concepts are introduced. To reduce fractions, students need to know
division first; to do algebra, students need to be comfortable with multi-step arithmetic,
and so on. Unfortunately, many students who are struggling with math feel
uncomfortable or embarrassed asking questions in class when their teacher has already
moved on to the next lesson.[3]
The most common reasons students struggle with math include boredom,
perceived irrelevance, and a shaky understanding of foundational concepts. Boredom
often arises when students feel that the material is irrelevant or not applicable to their
lives, leading to disengagement from the learning process. When students are bored,
they are less likely to invest the time and effort necessary to grasp complex concepts.
Seeing math as irrelevant makes the problem worse. Many students question the
necessity of learning specific math topics, especially if they cannot see their application
in everyday life. This lack of connection can make the subject feel abstract and
disconnected from their experiences, further diminishing their motivation to learn.
Additionally, a shaky understanding of foundational concepts creates significant barriers
to success in more advanced mathematical topics. Math is inherently cumulative; if
students do not master earlier skills, such as basic arithmetic or fractions, they will likely
struggle with more complex ideas, such as algebra or geometry. This cumulative nature
can lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety, further discouraging students from
attempting to engage with the material.
Recognizing these interconnected challenges, MathPlay aims to provide students
with clear, engaging lessons that not only teach mathematical concepts but also
demonstrate their relevance to real-world applications. Our platform features animated
video lessons designed to capture students' attention and cater to various skill levels,
ensuring that every learner can find material suited to their needs. By breaking down
complex concepts into digestible segments, we help students build confidence and
competence in their mathematical abilities.
C. PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
First impressions play a crucial role in user engagement. Having a good
first impression with your new users could be the difference between them
opening back the app or permanently deleting it. Having user-friendly and
intuitive design with easy to navigate content will address this concern.
Figure 2 shows how a user lands on the Login page where they can enter their
credentials to login. If the credentials are correct the user is then redirected to the
dashboard otherwise an error message will appear.
Figure 2. Login
Figure 3 shows how users land on the Explore page, where they can either
navigate to another page using the navigation bar or pick a subject they’re interested in.
After selecting a subject, they can choose their grade level and then select a topic for
that grade, which leads them to an activity to complete.
Figure 3. Explore
Figure 4 illustrates how the user lands at the Homepage, where users can either
navigate to other pages using the navigation bar or join a course. After joining a course,
users need to select their desired grade level, allowing users to start learning the
material.
F. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE
1. To design an interactive and visually appealing user interface that is
intuitive and easy to navigate, adhering to Human-Computer Interaction
(HCI) principles.
2. To ensure users feel comfortable using the app, offering users the ability
to ask questions through an integrated Artificial Intelligence feature.
3. To enable users to summarize lessons for better productivity and
enhanced understanding.
4. To help users grasp real-life applications of each topic by offering concise
lessons and engaging animations.
4.1. To design the system flexible adding a custom quiz type that suits
every user's preferences which includes matching type, multiple
choice, and identification.
5. To design an app that makes learning math fun and enjoyable.
G. SCOPE AND LIMITATION
The study will be limited to the design and development of a prototype and
will not cover the full-scale implementation of the final product. Due to time
constraints, testing will only be conducted at Aces Tagum College Inc., specifically
among a select group of senior high school students. As a result, the findings on the
effectiveness of MathPlay will be limited to this specific environment and may not
fully represent its impact on a broader population of senior high school students.
Broader testing and long-term evaluations will be outside the scope of this research.
H. RELATED STUDY
While good design is important, having the essential features is even more
critical. Understanding which design to incorporate is vital for both users and
developers. Creating a learning app that is practical and meets user needs is key to its
success.
Below are the different features we incorporate in our application from various
systems which are useful and practical making sure each feature facilitates our users'
needs.
My Math Academy, Khan Academy, and Quizlet are three educational platforms
with distinct strengths, designed to enhance learning in different ways. My Math
Academy focuses exclusively on mathematics, using a combination of gamification, AI-
generated problems, and personalized feedback to make math learning engaging and
adaptive to individual students' needs. It emphasizes interactive exercises and instant
feedback to build both understanding and motivation. [4] Khan Academy offers a wide
range of free educational content across multiple subjects, including math, with in-depth
instructional videos and interactive practice exercises, making it ideal for self-paced
learning. [5] Lastly, Quizlet is centered around memorization and review, featuring
flashcards, quizzes, and collaborative learning tools. With its focus on quick
assessments and immediate feedback, Quizlet supports efficient study habits and
content retention across diverse subjects. [6]
Instructional videos ✔ ✔ ✔
Gamification ✔ ✔
Instant feedback ✔ ✔
Interactive practice ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
exercise
Focus on mathematics ✔ ✔
only
AI generated ✔ ✔
question/problems
To create great user experiences, our team uses the Interactive Design (IxD)
Process, a five-stage methodology that includes discovering user needs, analyzing
them, designing a solution, prototyping, and finally, implementing and deploying it.
Interactive System Design is an approach focused on building user-friendly and
effective systems. It emphasizes designing both a seamless User Experience (UX)
and a clear User Interface (UI) to ensure users can interact with the system easily
and efficiently. This process applies to websites, mobile applications, and software
applications. As a dynamic and evolving field, Interactive System Design continually
seeks to create systems that are user-friendly, efficient, and engaging.
This section presents the findings and implications of the research conducted on
the development of MathPlay, an educational application designed to enhance
mathematics learning for high school students. As technology continues to reshape
education, it is crucial to assess how innovative tools can effectively address the
challenges associated with learning mathematics, which many students find complex
and disengaging. The results of this study illustrate how MathPlay not only facilitates a
deeper understanding of mathematical concepts through interactive gameplay but also
promotes an adaptive learning environment that caters to individual student needs. This
discussion will explore the impact of MathPlay on student engagement, comprehension,
and attitudes toward mathematics, as well as the potential for further development and
application in educational settings.
A. ANALYSIS
Narrative story of student’s interaction with the entire system.
Game Interaction:
● After that game Edward’s new friend notices that he doesn’t have
any equipment to fend for himself. Out of generosity Edward’s new
friend asked him to trade the fragments he received earlier for an
equipment.
B. TOOLS
Below are the different tools and materials that we used in order to design
and develop a paper prototype for MathPlay.
Figure 7. Draw.io
A ruler is an essential tool when creating a paper prototype, as it ensures
precise measurements and clean lines for elements like buttons, boxes, and text
fields. This precision is crucial for aligning components accurately, maintaining
consistency, and making the prototype visually clear and organized. It helps to
create a balanced layout, making the prototype easy to follow and more
professional, which ultimately aids in conveying ideas more effectively during
user testing or presentations.
FIgure 8. Ruler
Bond paper is commonly used for creating paper prototypes due to its
sturdiness and smooth surface, which makes it ideal for drawing, cutting, and
handling. Its thicker quality compared to regular printer paper allows for a more
durable prototype, especially if the prototype will be handled frequently during
testing. Bond paper also provides a clean, professional look and holds ink well,
making sketches, labels, and other elements more visible and easier to read.
This makes it an excellent foundation for building prototypes that need to
represent an application's layout or design accurately.
A pen is essential in paper prototyping for adding final details, making key
elements stand out, and providing a polished look. While a pencil is ideal for
drafting and sketching, a pen can be used to finalize lines, labels, and icons,
adding clarity and emphasis to important areas of the prototype. Using a pen also
prevents smudging, giving the prototype a cleaner, more professional
appearance. It's especially useful for defining boundaries and ensuring that
components remain visible during testing and presentations.
WIREFRAME
A wireframe is a two-dimensional skeletal outline of a web page or app.
Wireframes provide a clear overview of the page structure, layout, information
architecture, user flow, functionality, and intended behaviors. Styling, color,
graphics, and other design elements are kept to a minimum.[9]
Figure 13 shows the wireframe of the app, starting with Login, Sign-Up,
and Verification screen to Dashboard. Users can search for classes, access a
classes list, watch videos, and take quizzes. The Dashboard tracks recent
activities, and a Summary pop-up provides an overview of completed content.
into individual panels. It is a series of ordered drawings, with camera direction, dialogue,
or other pertinent details. It sketches out how a video will unfold, shot by shot. It's is
similar to a trial-run for your finished film, video, or commercial, laid out in a comic book-
Roboto and Sans Serif are two font selections that align well with the system's
design objectives. Roboto is ideal for headers and key elements that require a clear,
welcoming appearance due to its simple, modern design, which conveys a
contemporary and friendly vibe. Its clean lines contribute to the system's overall friendly
and approachable aesthetic, which is essential for user engagement. By combining
Roboto's modern, inviting style with the legibility of Sans Serif, the design ensures a
polished yet accessible experience, ultimately enhancing the primary goal of
streamlining and expanding access to educational content and subjects.
Figure 19 is the color palette we choose, it enhances the visual appeal of the application
while supporting its mission to provide users with smooth and comforting interactions.
The approach is both credible and friendly, improving user comprehension and reducing
cognitive load.
● Vivid Magenta Pink - A bright, saturated hue combining red and blue tones,
creating a strong magenta-pink shade. It’s a dynamic, expressive color often
used to convey creativity, boldness, and modern flair.
● Deep Charcoal Gray - A very dark gray, nearly black. This color represents
sophistication, neutrality, and power. It is often used in minimalistic or high-end
designs to provide contrast without the harshness of pure black.
● White: Often associated with purity, innocence, and cleanliness, white fosters a
sense of openness and simplicity, making the interface feel fresh and
contemporary.
In conclusion, the design has established a strong foundation for a user-friendly and
engaging learning experience. The design elements work harmoniously to create a
professional and inviting atmosphere, ensuring that the platform is accessible and
appealing to learners of all ages.
Figure 19. Color Palette
PROTOTYPE
A prototype is an early sample, model or release of a product created to
test a concept or process. Typically, a prototype is used to evaluate a new design
to improve the accuracy of analysts and system users. It is the step between the
formalization and the evaluation of an idea.[9]
Figure 20 illustrates the login and signup prototype for the app, designed for
secure and user-friendly access. The login screen allows users to enter their email and
password, with a "Forgot Password?" link for account recovery. The signup process
requires new users to input their name, email, and password, including an email
verification step to confirm the provided email address. This verification enhances
security by ensuring valid accounts. Once verified, users gain access to the app's
features, highlighting an emphasis on ease of use and robust security in account
management.
Figure 20. Login Prototype
Figure 21 showcases the prototype of the app's main components from the
dashboard. Users can view their in-game avatar and recent activities, providing a
personalized experience. The class section where user can select classes, allowing
users to browse and choose subjects they are interested in learning, from foundational
topics to more advanced concepts. Additionally, there is a notifications area where
users can stay updated on important alerts and announcements. Lastly, the update
feature enables users to easily manage and update their personal information, ensuring
that their profiles remain current and relevant. This layout promotes an engaging and
organized learning environment, enhancing the overall user experience.
Figure 23 showcases the prototype of the app’s classes interface for the
students. Students are guided through selecting their respective classes, lessons, and
activities. In the first page is where the students chooses their class and in the second is
where they pick their lesson and the third one is where they watch an educational video
and the fourth page is where you can read the summary of the video they've watch and
the fifth and sixth page are the types of activities you can take, after completing the
t
Figure 23. Classes Prototype
Figure 24 showcases The layout of the application's game interface where you
can play, trade, and fight with other people. First page is where the loading starts and
Figure 25 showcases the gameplay prototype of the app where users can invite
other users to fight you, you can also invite other users to team up with you and fight as
a team either custom or in a rank match.
Figure 25. Game PvP Prototype
Figure 26 showcases the gameplay prototype of the app, where users can select
a floor they have cleared or plan to clear next. Additionally, users have the option to
invite a friend to join them in clearing a floor. Players start on the first floor and work
their way up through progressively challenging levels.
FLOWCHART
A flowchart is a diagram that depicts a process, system or computer algorithm. They are
widely used in multiple fields to document, study, plan, improve and communicate often
complex processes in clear, easy-to-understand diagrams. [10]
Figure 16 illustrates the login flow of our system where users start as guest user’s can then
select between logging in or signing up. If they have an account then they can just login
otherwise users can create an account, the system also checks if the email which the user uses
already exists.
Figure 26 . Login
Figure 18 illustrates the navigation flow within the Classes page, detailing how
users interact with different content levels. Starting from the Classes page, users select
a specific class, such as algebra, which takes them to a list of lessons within that class.
After choosing a lesson, users are directed to the lesson page, where they can view
learning materials like videos, summaries, and quizzes. Alternatively, users can
navigate to other pages from the Classes page if they decide not to select a class.
Figure 19 shows the flow of the Notifications section, outlining how users interact
with notifications. The flow starts at the Notification page, where users can view a list of
notifications they’ve received. From there, they select a specific notification, which
directs them to the content associated with it, such as rewards, updates, or reminders.
After viewing the notification content, the flow ends. This straightforward process
ensures users can easily access and review their notifications.
Figure 20 illustrates the Settings section flow, showing how users manage their
account settings. In this flow, users start on the Settings page, where they have the
option to either edit their credentials (like updating their name or password) or log out of
the app. If they choose to edit credentials, they can submit the changes, after which the
process ends. Alternatively, selecting Log Out immediately signs the user out, also
ending the process. This flow provides a simple, user-friendly approach for managing
account settings and security.
MEMBER CV
Role: UX Designer
REFERENCES
[1] Admin, “Why So Many Students Struggle With Math | GradePower Learning,”
GradePower Learning, Aug. 30, 2018.
https://gradepowerlearning.com/resources/math-tutoring/why-students-struggle-
with-math/
[3] Tutor Doctor, “The top 5 reasons students struggle with math,” Tutor Doctor,
Jan. 06, 2019. https://www.tutordoctor.com/blog/2019/january/the-top-5-reasons-
students-struggle-with-math/