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[Case 03]

Transforming Math Through Storytelling: Fibonacci and the Golden Ratio

Education / Game-Based Learning

Fibonacci and the Golden Ratio

Designing Narrative-Driven Educational Experiences

[Project Overview]

This project focused on creating a digital educational resource inspired by the life of Fibonacci and the concept of the Golden Ratio. Developed for a national competition promoted by the Portuguese Ministry of Education (DGE), the project was selected as the winning entry and is now planned for implementation in schools across Portugal.

The goal was to translate complex mathematical concepts into intuitive, engaging digital experiences — combining storytelling, gamification, and visual narrative to make learning more meaningful and motivating for middle-school students.

[Problem Statement]

Mathematics is often perceived by students as abstract and disconnected from everyday life. There was a lack of digital resources that combined curricular rigor with engaging narratives capable of creating meaning and emotional connection.

The challenge was to design an interactive story that humanized mathematical concepts — using characters, historical context, and visual storytelling to transport students into Fibonacci’s world, making complex ideas more accessible, relatable, and easier to retain.

[Industry]

Education / Game-Based Learning

[My Role]

UX Designer, Product Owner

[Platforms]

Web (PC / Tablet)

[Timeline]

February 2023 – November 2023

View Full Project

View Full Project

[Process]

[01] User Research

Conducted an in-depth review of the 3rd-cycle mathematics curriculum.

Investigated the historical background of Fibonacci and his influence on modern mathematics.

Identified pedagogical needs through early consultations with teachers.

[01] User Research

Conducted an in-depth review of the 3rd-cycle mathematics curriculum.

Investigated the historical background of Fibonacci and his influence on modern mathematics.

Identified pedagogical needs through early consultations with teachers.

[01] User Research

Conducted an in-depth review of the 3rd-cycle mathematics curriculum.

Investigated the historical background of Fibonacci and his influence on modern mathematics.

Identified pedagogical needs through early consultations with teachers.

[02] Narrative & Design

Created the full narrative structure integrating Italian and medieval cultural contexts.

Designed educational characters representing key mathematical and story elements.

Defined the interactive experience using gamification and UX principles to support learning.

[02] Narrative & Design

Created the full narrative structure integrating Italian and medieval cultural contexts.

Designed educational characters representing key mathematical and story elements.

Defined the interactive experience using gamification and UX principles to support learning.

[02] Narrative & Design

Created the full narrative structure integrating Italian and medieval cultural contexts.

Designed educational characters representing key mathematical and story elements.

Defined the interactive experience using gamification and UX principles to support learning.

[03] Coordination & Validation

Collaborated with teachers during early development stages to ensure curricular alignment.

Refined narrative and conceptual elements based on pedagogical feedback.

[03] Coordination & Validation

Collaborated with teachers during early development stages to ensure curricular alignment.

Refined narrative and conceptual elements based on pedagogical feedback.

[03] Coordination & Validation

Collaborated with teachers during early development stages to ensure curricular alignment.

Refined narrative and conceptual elements based on pedagogical feedback.

[Outcome]

Developed an innovative educational resource that uses storytelling to make mathematical concepts clearer and more engaging.
Built a strong pedagogical narrative balancing curriculum rigor with historical and cultural context.
Selected by the Portuguese Ministry of Education for national-level implementation in schools.

[Key Learnings]

Storytelling in education

Narratives help students build emotional and conceptual connections, improving engagement and comprehension of complex content.

Storytelling in education

Narratives help students build emotional and conceptual connections, improving engagement and comprehension of complex content.

Storytelling in education

Narratives help students build emotional and conceptual connections, improving engagement and comprehension of complex content.

Research-driven design create real impact

Aligning curriculum, story, and digital experience ensures meaningful learning outcomes and stronger pedagogical relevance.

Research-driven design create real impact

Aligning curriculum, story, and digital experience ensures meaningful learning outcomes and stronger pedagogical relevance.

Research-driven design create real impact

Aligning curriculum, story, and digital experience ensures meaningful learning outcomes and stronger pedagogical relevance.

Early teacher involvement is essential

Collaborating with educators from the start ensures educational credibility, user relevance, and smoother adoption in real classroom environments.

Early teacher involvement is essential

Collaborating with educators from the start ensures educational credibility, user relevance, and smoother adoption in real classroom environments.

Early teacher involvement is essential

Collaborating with educators from the start ensures educational credibility, user relevance, and smoother adoption in real classroom environments.

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