Fixing Visibility Of Hidden Game Level Descriptions In PhET Simulations

Introduction

Hey guys! Today, we're diving into a fascinating issue discovered during the development of our interactive simulations at PhET. Specifically, we're addressing a problem where descriptions of hidden levels, configured using the gameLevels parameter, are inadvertently visible in the info dialog. This article will explore the background of this issue, the technical details, and the proposed solution. Let's get started!

Background: The Info Dialog and Game Levels

In our commitment to providing engaging and educational experiences, we've incorporated game-like elements into several simulations. To enhance user experience, we introduced an info button and dialog within the Level Selection view of the Game Screen. This feature, implemented in a previous update, aims to provide additional context and information about each level. However, we've encountered a snag related to how we handle hidden levels. The descriptions for these levels, intended to remain concealed from the user, are showing up in the dialog. This article discusses the specifics of the problem and the steps we're taking to resolve it.

The Genesis of the Info Dialog

To give you some context, the info dialog was initially introduced to help players better understand the goals and challenges of each level in our game-based simulations. It's a pretty neat feature that adds an extra layer of depth to the learning experience. But as with any new feature, there are always a few kinks to work out. The dialog was created to ensure users have all the necessary information at their fingertips, making their learning journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible. By providing clear objectives and hints, we hope to empower learners and encourage them to explore the simulation's content more effectively. The challenge now is to refine this feature to ensure it behaves as expected, particularly when dealing with hidden levels.

Unveiling the gameLevels Parameter

Now, let’s talk about the gameLevels parameter. This is a special tool we use to control which levels are visible to the user. Think of it as a secret switch that lets us tailor the learning experience. For instance, we might want to introduce levels gradually, or perhaps we want to create custom sets of levels for specific learning objectives. The gameLevels parameter allows us to do just that. By specifying a list of level numbers, we can effectively hide the levels that are not meant to be immediately accessible. This feature is super useful for creating a structured learning path, ensuring that users are not overwhelmed with too many options at once. However, it’s crucial that the hidden levels remain truly hidden, and this is where the current issue comes into play. We need to make sure that the descriptions of these levels are also concealed, maintaining a clean and focused user interface.

Examples of the Issue in Action

To illustrate the problem, let’s look at a few examples from our simulations:

1. Fourier Making Waves: In this sim, you can use the gameLevels parameter to limit the visible levels. For example, setting gameLevels=3,5 should hide all levels except 3 and 5. However, the descriptions for the hidden levels are still visible in the info dialog, which is not the intended behavior.
2. Equality Explorer: Similarly, in Equality Explorer, using gameLevels=2,4 is meant to restrict the level selection to levels 2 and 4. But the info dialog reveals the descriptions of the other levels, creating a confusing experience for the user.
3. Number Play: The same issue occurs in Number Play. When gameLevels=2,4 is used, the descriptions of the hidden levels remain visible in the info dialog, which we need to fix.

These examples highlight the importance of ensuring that hidden levels remain completely hidden, including their descriptions. This consistency is vital for maintaining a clear and intuitive user interface, preventing confusion and allowing learners to focus on the intended content. The goal is to provide a seamless experience where the game behaves predictably and as intended.

The Problem: Descriptions in the Dialog

The core of the issue lies in the type of dialog we're using. It appears we've implemented a regular Dialog component instead of the GameInfoDialog. The GameInfoDialog has a built-in mechanism (or at least an option) to automatically hide the descriptions of levels that are meant to be hidden. This is super important because we don't want players to see descriptions of levels they aren't supposed to access yet. It's like showing someone the answers to a test before they even take it – it kind of defeats the purpose!

Why GameInfoDialog is the Key

The GameInfoDialog component is specifically designed to handle the nuances of game-level information. It understands the concept of hidden levels and provides the necessary functionality to manage their visibility. By using GameInfoDialog, we can ensure that level descriptions are displayed only for the levels that are currently accessible to the user. This is a crucial distinction because it maintains the integrity of the game's progression and prevents any unintentional spoilers. The component's ability to selectively display information is a game-changer (pun intended!) in this scenario. It simplifies the process of managing level visibility and ensures a more polished user experience.

The Technical Snag: Regular Dialog vs. GameInfoDialog

The problem we're facing boils down to a simple yet significant technical detail: we're using a regular Dialog component instead of the specialized GameInfoDialog. The regular Dialog component lacks the awareness of hidden levels, so it displays all level descriptions indiscriminately. This is akin to using a generic tool for a specific task – it might work to some extent, but it won't deliver the optimal results. The GameInfoDialog, on the other hand, is tailored for this specific purpose. It's equipped with the logic to determine which level descriptions should be visible and which should remain hidden. This distinction is what makes all the difference in resolving the issue. Switching to GameInfoDialog is like upgrading from a basic wrench to a precision tool – it's the right choice for the job.

The Impact on User Experience

Imagine you're playing a game, and you stumble upon descriptions of levels you haven't even unlocked yet. It can be confusing and take away from the excitement of discovering new content. That’s the core issue we’re addressing here. By showing descriptions of hidden levels, we're potentially spoiling the surprise and making the game feel less intuitive. A clean and consistent user experience is paramount, especially in educational simulations. We want users to focus on the content and learning objectives, not on deciphering why they're seeing information that doesn't seem relevant. Addressing this issue will contribute to a smoother, more engaging, and ultimately more effective learning experience for our users. It’s about creating a seamless journey where the focus remains on the educational content, free from unnecessary distractions.

Proposed Solution: Using GameInfoDialog

The solution, guys, is pretty straightforward. We need to replace the regular Dialog with the GameInfoDialog. This should automatically handle the hiding (or give us the option to hide) the descriptions of hidden levels. It's like swapping out a regular wrench for a specialized one – the right tool for the right job!

The Implementation Plan

The plan is simple but effective. We will replace the current Dialog component with the GameInfoDialog in the Level Selection view. This involves identifying the code responsible for rendering the info dialog and making the necessary adjustments. We'll need to ensure that the GameInfoDialog is properly configured to receive and display level information. Additionally, we'll leverage its built-in functionality to hide descriptions for levels that are not meant to be visible. This might involve setting a specific option or property within the GameInfoDialog component. The implementation will be done carefully to avoid introducing any regressions or unintended side effects. Thorough testing will follow the implementation to ensure that the issue is resolved and that the dialog behaves as expected across different simulations and scenarios. This step-by-step approach will help us maintain the quality and stability of our simulations while addressing this important issue.

The Expected Outcome

By switching to GameInfoDialog, we anticipate a significant improvement in the user experience. The primary outcome will be the proper hiding of descriptions for levels that are not yet accessible to the user. This will create a cleaner and more intuitive interface, preventing confusion and allowing learners to focus on the content that is relevant to them. We also expect the game progression to feel more natural and rewarding, as the element of surprise and discovery will be preserved. Users will only see information about the levels they are supposed to be engaging with, which aligns with our goal of providing a structured and engaging learning experience. Overall, this change will enhance the professionalism and polish of our simulations, making them more effective educational tools.

Testing and Validation

Of course, no solution is complete without rigorous testing. After implementing the change, we will thoroughly test the GameInfoDialog across various simulations and scenarios. This will involve checking that level descriptions are correctly hidden when the gameLevels parameter is used. We'll also verify that the dialog displays the correct information for visible levels. Different screen sizes and devices will be used to ensure responsiveness and compatibility. User feedback will also be invaluable during this phase. We’ll gather input from users to ensure that the change meets their needs and expectations. This comprehensive testing approach will help us catch any unforeseen issues and ensure that the solution is robust and reliable. The goal is to deliver a seamless and error-free experience for our users, and thorough testing is crucial to achieving that.

Assigning the Task to @AgustinVallejo

Since @AgustinVallejo originally handled the implementation of the info dialog feature (#250), he's the perfect person to tackle this issue. His familiarity with the code and the underlying logic will be invaluable in resolving this problem efficiently. Agustin's expertise in this area will ensure that the solution is implemented correctly and that any potential challenges are addressed effectively. We have full confidence in his ability to resolve this issue and improve the user experience in our simulations. His past contributions to the project have been significant, and we're excited to see his expertise applied to this particular challenge. Assigning this task to Agustin is a strategic decision that leverages his knowledge and skills to deliver the best possible outcome.

Conclusion

So, in a nutshell, we've identified an issue where descriptions of hidden levels are visible in the info dialog, and we're planning to fix it by using the GameInfoDialog component. This will ensure a cleaner and more intuitive user experience for our simulations. Thanks for tuning in, guys, and stay tuned for more updates!

By addressing this issue, we're not just fixing a bug; we're enhancing the overall quality and effectiveness of our educational simulations. Our commitment to providing engaging and impactful learning experiences drives us to continually improve our tools and resources. This particular fix will contribute to a more polished and professional feel, which is essential for maintaining user trust and engagement. The attention to detail in these refinements reflects our dedication to creating the best possible learning environment. We believe that a seamless and intuitive interface is crucial for allowing users to fully focus on the educational content. Therefore, addressing issues like this is a key part of our ongoing effort to provide top-notch simulations that support effective learning.

The Bigger Picture

This issue highlights the importance of using the right components and tools for the job. It's a reminder that even small technical details can have a significant impact on the user experience. By choosing GameInfoDialog, we're leveraging a component that is specifically designed for our needs, which ultimately leads to a better outcome. This approach aligns with our broader philosophy of building robust and maintainable software. We strive to create simulations that are not only engaging and educational but also well-engineered and easy to update. This commitment to quality is what sets our simulations apart and allows us to continue delivering valuable learning experiences to users around the world. The lessons learned from this issue will inform our development practices moving forward, ensuring that we continue to make informed decisions about the tools and technologies we use.

Final Thoughts

In closing, resolving this issue with the hidden level descriptions is a significant step towards refining our simulations and enhancing the learning experience for our users. By utilizing the GameInfoDialog component, we are ensuring that the descriptions of levels hidden with the gameLevels parameter will no longer be visible in the info dialog. This correction will create a cleaner, more intuitive interface and prevent any potential confusion for learners. We appreciate the community's support in identifying and addressing these types of issues. Your feedback is invaluable as we continue to strive for excellence in educational simulation design. Stay tuned for more updates and improvements as we continue to enhance our simulations and provide the best possible learning tools.