EVOLUTION SCIENCE SIMULATION for AMPLIFY
Through interactive experiments, the Evolution Simulation demonstrates how hereditary traits and environmental factors impact the population of a species, and allows students to explore the complex relationship between predator and prey. This app is part of Amplify's Middle School Science curriculum, which was developed in collaboration with experts at the Lawrence Hall of Science, and was featured in Fast Company.
Environment
Students begin setting up their simulation by adjusting the environmental conditions of the habitat including temperature, water density, and color. Certain characteristics can prove to be more or less beneficial to the survival of different species.
Traits
Students can adjust the trait settings of each animal, such as speed, and physical appearance. Once they have populated their habitat, they can see their simulation unfold in real-time, and observe the impact of their choices. Students can click on an animal to see its features evolve, and learn how an animal's environment and traits impact its survival.
Data Visualization
Along with these unique customization tools, students can see real-time tracking and data visualizations related to the animal populations and their environment. By observing their experiment and monitoring the data, students can see the impact of their initial settings, and analyze how a species might either evolve to survive or become extinct.
MY ROLE
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In my role as Senior Designer, my responsibilities were to:
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Help envision the visual representation of the predator and prey
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Contribute to idea development for the simulation experience
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Design the user interface based on an established style guide
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Assist in planning and implementing frequent user testing sessions with Middle School students
CREDITS: Robert Del Principe (Vice President, Design). Thomas Maher (Senior Art Director). Amplify Science Team including Eddie Peña, Rick Martin (Art Directors), Roza Gazarian (Designer), Paul Gates, Justin Marshall (UX Designers), Martin Collet (Illustrator/Animator).