Quantum Computing For Dummies

Quantum Computing For Dummies is a 400-page introduction to quantum computing published by Wiley and written by Strangeworks CEO William Hurley, known as whurley, and Floyd Earl Smith. Designed for readers with little or no prior knowledge of the subject, the book explains the foundations of quantum computing, its history, its technologies, and its potential applications.

As part of the Strangeworks design team, I designed the book’s cover image and created diagrams and figures across a large portion of its 20 chapters. The challenge was not simply to make the material visually appealing, but to translate highly technical concepts into graphics that readers encountering quantum computing for the first time could follow.

The figures covered a wide range of subjects, including classical and quantum computing systems, logic gates, quantum communication, algorithms, hardware architectures, and different qubit technologies. Each visual required us to identify the most important information, remove unnecessary complexity, and develop a clear hierarchy without misrepresenting the underlying concept.

Some figures were created from the ground up, while others required researching existing scientific materials and redrawing them in a consistent visual language. Across hundreds of pages, the diagrams needed to feel cohesive, legible, and appropriate for the accessible tone of the For Dummies series.

For the cover, I created an abstract, atom-inspired composition centered on a nucleus-like form surrounded by particles, light, and an expanding energy field. Rather than illustrating a specific scientific process, the image was designed to evoke the complexity, scale, and possibilities associated with quantum computing. Its circular structure also worked naturally within Wiley’s established cover system.

The project required sustained attention to detail and close collaboration with the authors, who helped clarify the technical concepts behind each figure. Feedback from Wiley’s editorial team was shared through the Strangeworks creative director, helping ensure the visuals met both scientific and publishing standards. My role included cover image development, technical illustration, information design, visual research, and preparing final graphics for publication. The result was a cohesive visual system that helped make an unfamiliar and often intimidating subject more approachable for a general audience.