Designing tangible interfaces for children's collaboration

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the development of a design concept for an interactive play system and learning tool for children. The concept was illustrated with Ely the Explorer, an accessible and robust multi-user unit, set of tangible tools, and software application, designed for the school environment. This work examines the design of interfaces for co-present collaboration from an interaction design perspective. This paper also presents results from the concept evaluation in a school environment. The results showed that the system supported collaboration and interactivity and that the children enjoyed, and were engaged in the play. This indicates to us that the concept can make a positive contribution to the existing array of learning tools.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.1 Computer Uses in Education
          Subjects: Collaborative learning

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.3 Group and Organization Interfaces
          Subjects: Synchronous interaction; Collaborative computing

General Terms:
Design

Keywords:
CSCL, children, co-present collaboration, interaction design, product design, research-oriented design, tangible user interfaces