Back

Back

[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 consisted of designing a digital educational resource inspired by the life of Fibonacci and the concept of the Golden Ratio. Developed as part of a national contest promoted by the Portuguese Ministry of Education (DGE), the resource was selected as the winning project and is planned to be implemented in schools across Portugal. The goal was to translate complex mathematical content into narrative and visual experiences, supported by storytelling and gamification, making learning more intuitive and motivating for middle school students.

[Problem Statement]

Mathematics is often perceived by students as abstract and distant from reality. There was a gap in the supply of digital resources that combine curricular rigor with engaging narratives capable of creating meaning and proximity. The challenge was to create an interactive story, with credible characters and historical context, that would transport students into Fibonacci’s universe, making mathematical concepts more accessible.

[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

In-depth study of the 3rd cycle mathematics curriculum.

Research into the history of Fibonacci and his contribution to modern mathematics.

Identification of pedagogical needs through initial contacts with teachers.

[01] User Research

In-depth study of the 3rd cycle mathematics curriculum.

Research into the history of Fibonacci and his contribution to modern mathematics.

Identification of pedagogical needs through initial contacts with teachers.

[01] User Research

In-depth study of the 3rd cycle mathematics curriculum.

Research into the history of Fibonacci and his contribution to modern mathematics.

Identification of pedagogical needs through initial contacts with teachers.

[02] Narrative & Design

Creation of the complete story that structures the resource, integrating Italian and medieval contexts.

Development of educational characters, each representing central aspects of the narrative and mathematical concepts.

Definition of the interactive experience based on gamification and UX principles.

[02] Narrative & Design

Creation of the complete story that structures the resource, integrating Italian and medieval contexts.

Development of educational characters, each representing central aspects of the narrative and mathematical concepts.

Definition of the interactive experience based on gamification and UX principles.

[02] Narrative & Design

Creation of the complete story that structures the resource, integrating Italian and medieval contexts.

Development of educational characters, each representing central aspects of the narrative and mathematical concepts.

Definition of the interactive experience based on gamification and UX principles.

[03] Coordination & Validation

Management of the early stages of the project in conjunction with teachers.

Narrative and conceptual iterations based on pedagogical feedback.

[03] Coordination & Validation

Management of the early stages of the project in conjunction with teachers.

Narrative and conceptual iterations based on pedagogical feedback.

[03] Coordination & Validation

Management of the early stages of the project in conjunction with teachers.

Narrative and conceptual iterations based on pedagogical feedback.

[Outcome]

Creation of an innovative educational resource, focused on storytelling to explain mathematical concepts.
Robust pedagogical narrative that combines curricular rigor and historical–cultural context.
Resource selected for implementation in schools across Portugal.

[Key Learnings]

Storytelling in education

well-constructed narratives increase engagement and understanding of complex content.

Storytelling in education

well-constructed narratives increase engagement and understanding of complex content.

Storytelling in education

well-constructed narratives increase engagement and understanding of complex content.

Research-driven design

aligning story, curriculum, and digital experience is critical to creating real impact.

Research-driven design

aligning story, curriculum, and digital experience is critical to creating real impact.

Research-driven design

aligning story, curriculum, and digital experience is critical to creating real impact.

Early teacher involvement

initial contact with teachers ensures relevance and pedagogical legitimacy from the conceptual phase.

Early teacher involvement

initial contact with teachers ensures relevance and pedagogical legitimacy from the conceptual phase.

Early teacher involvement

initial contact with teachers ensures relevance and pedagogical legitimacy from the conceptual phase.

Select this text to see the highlight effect