In low-dimensional quantum materials, electrons no longer behave as they do in everyday materials. At this smallest scale, the arrangement of atoms and the interactions between electrons can completely change how electricity flows – and researchers can measure these effects! Using clear images and simple concepts, the talk opens a window into experiments with the scanning tunneling microscope (STM), a tool that can explore and control matter atom by atom. These insights may help shape future electronics that are extremely small and energy efficient.