ProjectProposal-Markus Geyer
From CS 160 Fall 2011
Contents |
Introduction
Most people, especially young children, have issues understanding how the brain works. Many are not familiar with the concept that the brain is divided into different regions that perform specific functions. My goal is to provide an interactive learning tool to help people familiarize themselves with the brain and the areas contained within.
Target User Group
My primary target user group consists of people just beginning to learn about the brain. Specifically those trying to learn about the divisions of the brain. I would like to add more information for those who want to delve deeper into the functions of the brain as well. However, this would be a minority of the user group.
Problem Description
When people first start learning about the brain they begin to understand that the brain is divided into four main lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital. However, it is difficult to learn that the brain is further divided into sub-regions which give a much more precise view of how the brain operates. This is a very difficult task because many of these regions have very similar characteristics. One area may deal with language comprehension while another deals with language production. Remembering where these subdivisions of the brain are located based on their function can become almost impossible when just seeing them in a book.
Problem Context & Forces
Since learning where certain divisions of the brain are located and what their functions can be so difficult I want to create and interactive learning tool/game that will help users learn more about the brain at varying stages of difficulty. I personally have had trouble remembering where/what the difference is between divisions such as Broca's and Wernicke's areas. I feel that it would help to have an interactive model of the brain that can be rotated and clicked on which would subsequently give information about that area and link to other similar areas. I not only want the program to be able to give information, but also to have a function that tests the user's knowledge. It could contain a quiz game in which the user needs to find a location on the brain corresponding to a certain description, and also a separate game that tests function based on location. This should give users a better understanding of how the brain is divided and the logical connection between the function of areas and where they are located.
Solution Sketch
I want to have one section that simply involves a brain which can be rotated in 3D and clicked on to give information based on that area. I then also want sections that can quiz you based on this information. In the future I would like this project to handle more in-depth information, such as what can happen to an individual if a brain region is shut down or also how the brain operates differently under varying levels of hormones/chemicals.
