PALMs

Perceptual-Adaptive Learning Modules (PALMs) are web-based learning aid software based on Cognitive Science principles. PALMs intend to address crucial aspects of learning—such as pattern recognition—that traditional instruction methods have overlooked.




Figure1: In PALMs, the user classifies novel presentations into appropriate groups, such as diagnoses, according to their underlying features. The adaptive learning algorithms used by PALMs schedule learning items based on the individual’s performance. These algorithms are unique in using both response time and response accuracy as ongoing measures of learning strength.



Metadata

Target Audience
Medical students and residents
Platform
Responsive Web App



Team
Domain Experts x 3
Project Manager x 1
Engineer x 3
Designer x 1 👋
Timeline
Initial development in 2014 with continuous optimization since and various iterations with different subjects




Objective

This was initially a pilot product to help the company pivot from K-12 math to medical education. The goal was to build our first medical module.



Problems

The core technology and development framework were there when I joined the team. But, many user-facing aspects of the product had issues (e.g., sub-optimal legibility, poor touch-screen usability, ambiguous progress indicators, lack of onboarding, dated visual language, content-related anomalies, discouraging user experience, etc.). Additionally, since the team had been iterating on the concepts for years, the framework had accumulated poor practices and outdated libraries, making solution implementation complicated.



My Role

As the first and only design hire, my role was to partner with our main domain expert—to materialize her vision—while working closely with the engineers to redesign the interfaces and address usability issues.



Example Contribution

Design System

To streamline the development process for PALMs and improving the user experience for the learners, I introduced a new design system that includes many visual and behind-the-scenes patterns.


Figure 2: A selection of patterns from the new design system such as core problem presentation stracuture, icon design, and messaging inserts.



Example Contribution

Standardized Feedback Cues

To ensure the learning feedback cues are universally usable and understandable, and quick to parse



Figure 3: A Brain Regions problem in prompt state; the problems are timed but to resude response presure, no timer is included. This decision is based on previous user suveys.

Figure 4: A problem in feedback state, displaying correct response cues, including the response time


Figure 5: A problem in feedack state, displaing incorrect as well as the correct response cues; since response time for incorrect inputs are irrelevant, the response time is not shown.

Figure 6: A problem in timed-out state displaying the missed correct response



Example Contribution

Revised Flow

I revised the general flow and inserted new nodes to provide dedicated real estate for timely hand-holding and way-finding indicators. These inserts host static and dynamic messages that aid users build an accurate mental model of the journey.


Figure 7: The comparison of the original flow (first row) with the evolved one (second row).


Figure 8: The learning phase (as opposed the level-finding pretest) intro screen reflects the status of the training module: unstarted vs. in-progress. The action button and the messaging dynamically reflects the state.
Figure 9: Progress intro screen, easing users into their first exposure to progress reports.




Example Contribution

Value Proposition Messaging

To communicate the technical behind-the-scenes aspects of the product, I co-scripted and created an explainer video, helping novice users understand PALMs.

Figure 10: An explainer video on the product's value proposition; I established a new workflow for creating videos that follow these steps: co-scripting, storyboarding and scene creation, defining the visual language, and animation execution.



Outcome

PALMs have helped many medical students, trainees, and professionals develop deep understanding and automaticity with complex subjects. The efficiency and effectiveness of PALMs in training recognition and interpretation of clinical tests and maintaining this training over many months has been demonstrated in published research[1][2][3][4] and presentations at meetings targeting both clinical specialties and medical education.




  1. Krasne S, Stevens CD, Kellman PJ, Niemann JT. Mastering Electrocardiogram Interpretation Skills Through a Perceptual and Adaptive Learning Module. AEM Educ Train. 2020;5(2):e10454. Published 2020 May 5. doi:10.1002/aet2.10454
  2. Romito BT, Krasne S, Kellman PJ, Dhillon A. The impact of a perceptual and adaptive learning module on transoesophageal echocardiography interpretation by anaesthesiology residents. Br J Anaesth. 2016;117(4):477-481. doi:10.1093/bja/aew295
  3. Rimoin L, Altieri L, Craft N, Krasne S, Kellman PJ. Training pattern recognition of skin lesion morphology, configuration and distribution. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
  4. Krasne S, Hillman JD, Kellman PJ, Drake TA. Applying perceptual and adaptive learning techniques for teaching introductory histopathology. J Pathol Inform. 2013;4:34. Published 2013 Dec 31. doi:10.4103/2153-3539.123991
Case Studies



Select Projects







Employment Involvement Log (Sep. 2013 - Aug. 2022)



2022
Emergency Action Items in Flying
Interface Design
Template Design
Web Development


2021
Novel Education Modules Addressing the Underrepresentation of Skin of Color in Dermatology Training (Research)
Interface Design
Web Development
Motion Design


2020
Analytics (Internal Tool)
Interface Design
Web Development

2020
Training Visual Pattern Recognition in Ophthalmology Using a Perceptual and Adaptive Learning Module (Research)
Prototyping
Interface Design
Web Development

2020
Marketing Partnership Facilitation
Design Guidelines
External Assets Hand-Off


2019
UCLA Human Perception Lab Website Redesign
Web Design
Web Development

2019
Conference Material Preparation
Motion Design

2018-20
Perceptual and Adaptive Learning in [dermatologic and mammographic screening] Cancer Image Interpretation (Research)
Interface Design
Web Development

2018
Help Center: Features and Components
Design
Development
Co-Writing
Editing

2017-21
Advancing Theory and Application in Perceptual and Adaptive Learning to Improve Community College Mathematics (Research)
Interface Design
Web Development

2017
Technology and Value Proposition Explainer Video
Motion Design
Storyboarding
Script Co-writing
Editing

2015-2022
Archival, Recreation, and Version Control of Scientific Figures (Internal)
Asset Management
Motion Design
Vector Graphics
Figure Optimization
DeGuidelines

2018
Lab Website SEO Improvements
Usability Audits
Web Development

2017
Component Redesign: App Launcher
Interface Design
Web Development

2016, 2021
Business Finance Courseware: Dynamic Content Presentation Design
Web Development
Visual Design

2016, 2021
Development of a Novice Driver Training Module to Accelerate Driver Perceptual Expertise (Research)
Interface Design
Web Development

2016

Company Logo Redesign
Branding

2015
Teaching and Learning Video Showcase: Improving Science, Math, Engineering, and Computer Science Education
Motion Design





Independant Work Log (2002 - 2022)



2019
Undisclosed Client (Publishing)
Visual Identity
Technical Consulting
Website Design & Development
WordPress Theme Development


2018
M-Cubed Design (Architecture)
Brand Design
Website Design & Development

2018
Be Fit Biz
Strategy
Web Design
Visual Identity

2017
Undisclosed Client (EME) (Technology)
Technical Consulting & Prototyping

2017
Undisclosed Client (Publishing)
Website Design & Development
Technical Consulting
Visual Identity
CMS (WordPress Theme Development)

2016
Wristocracy (E-Commerce)
Strategy
Prototyping
Website Design & Development

2016
Tilofy: Trend Forecasting App (Technology)
Prototyping
Technical Consultation

2016
Mixx Yoga (Fitness & Wellness)
Website Redesign & Development
Visual Design
Strategy
CMS (WordPress Theme Development)

2013
SoCal Stormwater Solutions (Environment)
Strategy
Visual Identity
Website Design & Development

2012
Undisclosed Client (Interior Design)
Editorial Design

2012
Undisclosed Client (Medicine)
Website Design & Development

2010
Printing Division at Global Textile (Textile)
Website Design & Development

2009
Undisclosed Client (Art & Music)
Website Design & Development

2008
Undisclosed Client (Art & Music)
Website Design & Development

2008
Dustoe (E-Commerce)
Branding
Website Design & Development
Technical Consulting

2008
Undisclosed Client (Art & Music)
Website Design & Development

2007
Undisclosed Client (Art & Music)
Website Design & Development

2006
Dissolved Entity (E-Commerce)
Website Design & Development

2005
Moaser Theatre Company (Art & Music)
Website Design & Development

2003
Disolved Entity (Academia)
Website Design & Development

2002
Disolved Entity (Art & Music)
Website Design & Development

2002
Undisclosed Client (Oil & Energy)
Website Design & Development


* The information is unavailable either due to a confidentiality agreement or because the client has been dissolved or is inaccessible.