Introduction
Organon is an iOS app that uses logic to help users create valid arguments. It's designed to make learning logic easier by breaking down complex ideas into simple, interactive lessons. Users can also apply their knowledge in a special editor that ensures the validity of their arguments.
The app features a Library section for learning about logic with interactive widgets, exercises, and quizzes. Each chapter is self-contained, making it useful both as a step-by-step course and as a reference tool. Users can create and edit arguments in the Arguments section, where a unique editor visualizes logic in both plain text and symbolic tree structures.
Process
The idea for Organon started as my Bachelor's thesis project at IUAV University of Venice, aiming to create a "Duolingo for logic". At the time, I was deeply immersed in learning about philosophy, logic, and argumentation, which formed the basis for Organon. The project required extensive exploration of logic notation and visualisation, and learning strategies. Organon was a solo project: I handled both the design and technical development, focusing on creating a less intimidating interface for learning and applying logical reasoning.
Activities
Concept development & Design Challenges:
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Explored existing material on formal logic and assessed its strengths and weaknesses
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Addressed the notation and design challenge of representing logical expressions in natural language using refreshed symbols and tree-like structures for relationships
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Designed a range of concepts using Affinity Designer and Figma
Development phase:
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Developed an automatic, real time, tree-like visualization for propositions
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Created an as-you-type editor using markdown-like syntax for adding logical operators
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Implemented automatic inferences in code, ensuring argument validity
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Implemented inline editing of generated tree-like proposition structures using the keyboard and a function bar
Technology stack:
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Built using Swift and SwiftUI for the iOS platform
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Used Git and GitHub for version control
Reflection and Future Improvements
Working on Organon was a very valuable learning experience, since it presented significant design and development challenges. However, Organon still suffers from some limitations. The project lacked any user research, which could have provided insights like feedback on the UI. Future improvements could include user testing to refine the editor's design and more learning material in the app. Unfortunately, the target demographic for Organon was and still is quite small.