Intuit: Explain Quantum Computing Concepts via AR-based Analogy
Abstract
Quantum computing has shown great potential to revolutionize traditional computing and can provide an exponential speedup for a wide range of possible applications, attracting various stakeholders. However, understanding fundamental quantum computing concepts remains a significant challenge for novices because of their abstract and counterintuitive nature. Thus, we propose an analogy-based characterization framework to construct the mental mapping between quantum computing concepts and daily objects, informed by in-depth expert interviews and a literature review, covering key quantum concepts and characteristics like number of qubits, output state duality, quantum concept type, and probability quantification. Then, we developed an AR-based prototype system, Intuit, using situated analytics to explain quantum concepts through daily objects and phenomena (e.g., rotating coins, paper cutters). We thoroughly evaluated our approach through in-depth user and expert interviews. The Results demonstrate the effectiveness and usability of Intuit in helping learners understand abstract concepts in an intuitive and engaging manner.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2503.00835,
title = {Intuit: Explain Quantum Computing Concepts via AR-based Analogy},
author = {Manusha Karunathilaka and Shaolun Ruan and Lin-Ping Yuan and Jiannan Li and Zhiding Liang and Kavinda Athapaththu and Qiang Guan and Yong Wang},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2503.00835},
year = {2025}
}