Paper-based radial anatomy puzzles as educational tools: A pilot study at a dental school

What was the educational challenge? Grasping anatomical relationships remains a persistent challenge in medical education, particularly when instruction relies on traditional tools such as textbooks and static illustrations. This challenge also extends to retaining and refreshing vast amounts of anatomical relationships over time, which often requires more dynamic and engaging learning methods. What was the solution? This pilot study examines radial anatomy puzzles as educational physicalization-based tools that encode anatomical knowledge maps in a tangible form, consisting of concentric, rotating paper rings. How was the solution implemented? Labels and thumbnails of anatomical structures are printed on each ring, which pivots around the puzzle's center. By rotating and aligning these elements, users engage in hands-on construction of spatial and conceptual relationships, thereby uncovering through physical interaction the conceptual connections between anatomical landmarks and structures. A user study with 22 dental students evaluated the educational value of these tools. Participants engaged with the rings to construct anatomical relationships, resulting in improved quiz performance and high reported levels of satisfaction and perceived learning value. What lessons were learned that are relevant to a wider global audience? These findings highlight the potential benefits of radial anatomy puzzles as effective, low-tech tools for reinforcing anatomical understanding and facilitating knowledge refreshing through hands-on interaction. What are the next steps? Future work will focus on refining the physical design for greater durability and usability while also conducting more controlled studies to disentangle the effects of active puzzle-solving from passive review of completed solutions. Collaborating with instructors through co-design will further ensure that future iterations align with classroom-relevant teaching practices and learning needs.