Classically Not Classical
The entanglement of Service Design & Quantum Computing
Service Design | Systems Thinking | UX Research
MEET Q
I had my first interaction with quantum physics at a Google I/0 in May 2021, ever since then I have had a keen interest in this subject. A year later I was introduced to the concept of systems thinking and I couldn’t help but notice a similarity between quantum entanglement and systems thinking. That’s when I decided to research this topic for my masters final project at SCAD.
The essence of Quantum Entanglement
Quantum Systems store a lot of information, but when one looks at parts of the system one at a time, the information will not be visible.
The essence of Systems Thinking
The behaviour of the system cannot be fully understood by looking at each part in isolation, a holistic approach is required to understand the connections between the subsystems of the system.
"What we observe is not nature itself, but nature exposed to our method of questioning." - Werner Heisenberg
"What we observe is not nature itself, but nature exposed to our method of questioning." - Werner Heisenberg
OVERVIEW
The word ‘entanglement’ is uniquely associated to quantum mechanics. Which states when two particles interact, they remain connected even when separated by vast distances.
So if quantum mechanics is real, everything in the world is connected and everything that interacts becomes entangled how mind-boggling would it be to research the entanglement of service design and quantum computing? Hence I set forth this exciting journey.
9 months | March 2023 - November 2023
GOAL
Research and derive insights to build a connection between two emerging fields, service design and quantum computing. And lay a foundation for service designers and UX researchers to utilise quantum computing technologies.
OUTCOME
A Quantum Monte Carlo simulation framework for service designers and UX researchers to use a quantum computer to conduct quantitative research and insight translation.
Currently working on creating a quantum algorithm for quantitative user research.
PROJECT TIMELINE
METHODOLOGY & PROCESS
Secondary research
Stakeholder map
Primary research
Framing hypothesis
Data synthesis and insight transition
How might we’s
Impact effort matrix
Design solution
TOOLS
Figma
Qiskit
IBM Quantum Platform
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
STAKEHOLDER MAP
The stakeholder map includes stakeholders ranging from students, multinational cooperations and the government, categorised as design experts and quantum experts that would have a direct and indirect impact on this research.
I reached out to experts by joining various Linkedin, Discord and Facebook groups through which I received a positive response by various members to participate in this research. I also had the opportunity to gather survey responses from stakeholders at Princeton University, during my summer internship there.
HYPOTHESIS
PRIMARY RESEARCH
Conducted research using diverse research methodologies like in-depth interviews and surveys amongst quantum experts and design experts to gather quantitative and qualitative data to understand user needs and pain points.
The data collected was synthesised and insights were generated to inform the next phase of the research.
Quantum computing can be used by service designers to create new unforeseen value.
Quantum computing can be used by service designers to create new unforeseen value.
IDEATION
The core insights served as the foundation for the how might we’s that open up problem statements for efficient and innovative design solutions.
The primary research sought out subconscious desires from stakeholders who would want to use quantum computing technologies in their practice, what are the necessary requirements to be able to use this technology, and can they implement this upcoming tremendous power for design.
CORE INSIGHT
CORE INSIGHT
HOW MIGHT WE
Engage professionals from different fields to better develop quantum computing technologies
Make professionals from different fields better aware about quantum computing?
Generate interest in quantum computing amongst professionals from different industries?
Build a collaborative environment for these professionals to interact?
People struggle to understand quantum physics and quantum computing
HOW MIGHT WE
Make quantum knowledge easily available and accessible?
Make quantum knowledge graphical and better understandable?
Engage the younger generation to formulate an interest in quantum computing?
CORE INSIGHT
Service Design, Human-Centred Design Research & UX Research can benefit from Quantum Computing
Use quantum computing to increase the speed and efficiency of the design process?
Use quantum computing to impact the design and delivery of services through improved personalisation and customisation?
Develop quantum algorithms for design processes?
HOW MIGHT WE
CORE INSIGHT
Opportunity for tools to facilitate the connection of Service Design and Quantum Computing
HOW MIGHT WE
Create tools that are user friendly?
Create collaborative tools for co-creation and value addition?
Create prototyping tools to test parts of the design process before implementation?
CORE INSIGHT
Quantum Annealers can be used by service designers to obtain better optimisation solutions at a faster pace then classical computing.
Determine which services can benefit from quantum annealers?
Use quantum annealers to determine the optimal solution of problems involving a large number of solution?
HOW MIGHT WE
CORE INSIGHT
Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence work hand in hand.
HOW MIGHT WE
Create tools that are user friendly?
Create collaborative tools for co-creation and value addition?
Create prototyping tools to test parts of the design process before implementation?
IMPACT EFFORT MATRIX
Based on the how might we’s, 4 possible design solutions were ideated and placed on an impact effort matrix.
The Monte Carlo simulation framework proved to have a moderate high impact, hence that was the chosen design solution for the duration of this project.
The big bet is to create a high impact and high effort quantum algorithm for service design and UX research. I aim to create the quantum algorithm by the end of this year.
DESIGN SOLUTION
A Quantum Monte Carlo simulation framework for quantitative user research to be used by service designers and UX researchers, implemented on a quantum computer.
Analyse results to understand how the simulation impacts the objectives
Gather feedback on impact of implemented changes and adjust the simulation model accordingly Continue monitoring key variables and update the simulation as needed
Adjust simulation parameters based on results Refine the model to better align with real world conditions, as needed
For the specific research project
Existing customer preferences and data
Code and implement simulation using the chosen quantum software and hardware