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What is QIDb?

QIDb is a website for exploring and comparing the different interpretations of quantum mechanics.

Just as IMDb catalogues films and lets users watch trailers, compare movies, and rank them using different criteria, QIDb presents each quantum interpretation as a distinct “entry.” Users can explore short conceptual “trailers,” learn the historical background, and compare interpretations side by side.

QIDb also allows users to judge the interpretations according to different criteria—such as realism, determinism, locality, or explanatory clarity—and to give their own feedback on which interpretation they find most convincing through the comment sections and quizzes dotted around each page.

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What is an interpretation of quantum mechanics?

Quantum mechanics is extraordinarily successful at predicting experimental results, but it is less clear about what those results mean.

An interpretation of quantum mechanics is an attempt to explain how the mathematical formalism of the theory relates to physical reality. All interpretations agree on the equations and predictions of quantum mechanics; they differ only in how those equations are understood.

In particular, interpretations try to answer questions such as:

• Is the universe fundamentally deterministic or probabilistic?

• Does reality exist independently of observation?

• Is nature local or non-local?

• What actually happens during a measurement?

Different interpretations provide different answers to these questions, while making the same experimental predictions.

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Why combine trailers and interpretations?

We think each interpretation of quantum mechanics is best understood as a story about the world.

All interpretations start from the same mathematical “script.” Still, they tell radically different narratives about reality: some involve branching universes, others hidden variables, others deny that an underlying story is needed at all. We also liked that websites like IMDb allow users to rank movies. Because interpretations of QM differ in philosophical commitments, it was important for the public, students, and scientists to be able to compare interpretations across shared criteria​ and engage critically with foundational questions about reality.

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Are interpretations testable?

Some interpretations introduce additional structure—such as hidden variables or modified dynamics—that can, in principle, be experimentally constrained.

However, many interpretations are empirically equivalent: they reproduce all standard quantum predictions. In these cases, experimental data alone may not decide between them, making conceptual and philosophical criteria especially important.

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Who is QIDb for?

QIDB is designed for:

• Students who are curious about quantum mechanics and its big ideas

• Readers with an interest in science, philosophy, or how modern physics describes reality

No advanced mathematics is required to explore the site.

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How do I use QiDb?

We recommend you spend some time looking at the different trailers and pages for each interpretation of quantum mechanics. If you get lost, you can consult our glossary or read a little bit about the history of Quantum Mechanics. Once you've watched each trailer, you can compare each interpretation based on different criteria. You can also read a little bit about what other people are saying about each interpretation in each comments section - you might also see a few famous physicists!. 

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