Quantum Slots

Quantum Slots was our entry into The New School’s 2023 IBM Quantum Design Jam. Quantum computing might change the way we approach technology across all sectors, and as designers, we challenged ourselves to speculate the ways it can live with us.

Quantum Slots was a multidisciplinary endeavor, and can best be broken down into:

Design + Science + Art

Design: The Hardware

We bought an antique mechanical slot machine and immediately took it apart. We were going to put a quantum computer inside it (not literally).

Acquiring the Slot Machine

Taking it apart

Taking it apart even more

Learning how it works

We loved the mechanical sounds it made

Science: The Software

This Qiskit quantum circuit simulates our slot machine game by initializing qubits in superposition with Hadamard gates, applying phase shifts with P(π/2) gates, and entangling qubits through controlled-Z operations. It incorporates a depolarizing noise model to simulate realistic quantum noise, enabling the calculation of outcome probabilities by measuring the qubit states.

Our columns for the slot machine, true 3-word sentences are correct

Python script in Jupyter notebook connects our machine to the quantum circuit

Example of expected results

Art: The Interaction

We used TouchDesigner to create the spinning reel animation as well as a gestural input: simply wave your hand to spin the slots!

We then projection mapped the interface into our retro-fitted slot machine.

Regular slot machine

Calibrating the projector

Quantum slot machine

Projector -> quantum laptop -> slot machine trifecta

To further elevate this project and meet the evolving demands of our audience, we are focusing on enhancing visuals, features, and interactivity. We plan to introduce a rich soundscape with futuristic tones and immersive effects to create an otherworldly ambiance that complements the visuals and narrative.

Looking ahead, our goal is to make "Quantum Slot" a trailblazer in merging entertainment with education. We envision it pioneering a new genre that entertains while enlightening players about the fascinating world of quantum mechanics.

Meanwhile, you can test your own luck by pressing the button! (Since we’re no longer connected to the quantum computers, everybody’s a winner!)

Play!

Special Thanks to:

Dr. Paul Kassebaum, Physicist, IBM Quantum
Leffin Christopher, Futurist + Artist, The New School
Maya Georgieva, Futurist + Technologist, The New School
Sven Travis, Prof. of Media & Quantum Design, The New School

In Collaboration with:

Sanyukta Bhonsle, MA Media Studies 24’, Parsons
Jin TianJi, MFA Design and Technology 24’, Parsons
Qian Xiang, BFA Communication Design 24’, Parsons
Amelia Dodson, BFA Integrated Design 24’, Parsons
Sebastian Guerrero, BFA Fine Arts 25’, Parsons