Using Tactile Objects to Bridge the Gap Between the Virtual World and the Developing Mind

Katrina Bekessy, Thesis Studio I

CHILDREN+OBJECTS+INTERNET

CONCEPT

Although technology continues to progress, little has changed in terms of creating enriching content for young children through digital venues.

This project’s aim is to address the issue by creating immersive experiences for preschoolers by mapping smart objects to the virtual world.

DOMAINS

Experience

RESEARCHEthnography Study: -Mattie, 4 years old -Can’t read -Has a computer in his bedroom and plays PS2 -Why does he like the computer?...”Because it’s my favorite and I can do it by myself.”

RESEARCHReadings and Academia -Constructivism and Seymour Papert -Developmental Psychology -Good and bad implications of digital media -Interface Design -The future of the Web

RESEARCHPrecedent

PROTOTYPESMusikBlox -Tactile Interface -Several reworkings to connect to Flash, Internet, etc. -Connect virtual to more immersive, tangible actions

PROTOTYPESNot-So-Great Initial Attempts -The Good: mapped to familiar objects, incorporated body movement, organic motion -The Bad: uninformed, unrealistic -The Ugly: too literal, too much disconnect, what does it help/improve?

PROTOTYPESNot-So-Great Initial Attempts -The Good: mapped to familiar objects, incorporated body movement, organic motion -The Bad: uninformed, unrealistic -The Ugly: too literal, too much disconnect, what does it help/improve?

PROTOTYPESGetting Warmer??? -Focus on collective efforts and accessibility -Opportunity for identity and relationship construction -Continuous Development -Providing a sense of ownership and autonomy

Hacking the Chumby A Better Wikijunior

PROTOTYPESPeeling Away the Layers... -What if there wasn’t a screen? -What’s at the core of the Internet?...Pinging!

GAINING CLARITYThe Problems -All over the place...need to narrow it down -Trouble answering the tough questions: What’s most important? What should the project NOT be?

The Exciting Stuff -Pervasive Web...whether we like it or not -Opportunity for toddlers to explore in new ways and realize their relationship to the world

DonDon’t let the human factor fail to be a factor at all...

MOVING FORWARDMore Research -Technology for smart objects -Better integration of play -How can I make the technology ‘invisible’? -Haptics

Further Prototypes -Flesh out the Ping idea -Create an ‘anti-thesis’ prototype.