Acupoints
Digital acupuncture learning platform with 3D interactive body maps
Role
Product Designer & UX Engineer
Timeline
4 months
Year
2026 – ongoing
Team
Small team of 5
Overview
The Challenge
Traditional acupuncture education relies on static diagrams and rote memorization. Students struggled to spatially understand point locations and meridian connections.
My role: Product Designer & UX Engineer — designed the interaction model and built prototype components for the 3D body map interface.
Strategy & Research
Systems Thinking
Created a spatial information architecture that maps acupuncture points to anatomical regions, meridians, and therapeutic functions — enabling multiple learning pathways.
Key Insights
- Spatial learning outperforms list-based memorization for anatomical content
- Gesture-based exploration creates embodied understanding
- Progressive complexity prevents cognitive overload for beginners
Product Decisions
- 3D interactive body model as primary navigation
- Layered information disclosure — tap for basics, swipe for depth
- Spaced repetition system for long-term retention
Design Evolution
From Wireframe to Prototype
Each project evolves through deliberate stages — structure first, then fidelity, then interaction.
Interactive Prototype
Interaction Decisions
Why prototyping was applied
High-fidelity interactive prototypes were critical to test 3D gesture interactions and validate the spatial navigation model before development.
Cognitive function it serves
Animated connections between related acupoints reveal meridian pathways, making invisible systems visible through motion.
How it reduces friction
Spring-based transitions between body regions maintain spatial context, preventing the disorientation that comes from hard cuts between views.
UX Engineering
Technical Awareness
Technical Considerations
- Prototyped 3D interactions using Three.js and React Three Fiber
- Designed gesture system supporting pinch, rotate, and tap interactions
- Built responsive layouts that adapt 3D viewport to device capabilities
State Management
Designed state architecture for tracking explored points, quiz progress, and learning streaks across sessions.
Performance
Implemented level-of-detail system — reduced polygon count on mobile while maintaining visual fidelity for key acupoint regions.
Results
Impact & Reflection
85% improvement in point location accuracy vs. traditional methods
3x increase in study session duration
4.8/5 app store rating
Adopted by 12 acupuncture schools
“This project proved that complex spatial knowledge can be made accessible through thoughtful interaction design. The key was respecting the learning curve.”
Lessons Learned
- 3D interfaces need strong 2D fallbacks for accessibility
- Domain expert collaboration transforms generic UX into specialized tools
- Performance budgets must be set early for 3D mobile experiences