Title: A user experience model for tangible interfaces for children

Authors: E.M.A.G. Van Dijk; F. Van der Sluis; L.M. Perloy; A. Nijholt

Addresses: Human Media Interaction, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands ' Human Media Interaction, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands ' Human Media Interaction, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands ' Human Media Interaction, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands

Abstract: Tangible user interfaces allow children to take advantage of their experience in the real world when interacting with digital information. In this paper we describe a model for tangible user interfaces specifically for children that focuses mainly on the user experience during interaction and on how to design interactions. This model is related to other user-centered models and has been used to design a multi-touch tabletop application for a museum. The results of a first evaluation of this museum application show that the interactions at the multi-touch table were engaging and fun, which was one of the goals of the museum application and one of the four themes of the model. Regarding a few other themes of the model results of the first observations are encouraging: the interactions seemed to be intuitive and seemed to facilitate exploration and collaboration. More systematic evaluation of the complete model by video analysis and an additional validation study is proposed.

Keywords: tangible interfaces; user interfaces; multi-touch table; tabletop systems; information access; children; user experience model; museums; digital information; exploration; collaboration; interface design; child-friendly information services; virtual games; personalisation; museum information; museum services.

DOI: 10.1504/IJART.2015.071207

International Journal of Arts and Technology, 2015 Vol.8 No.3, pp.212 - 230

Published online: 17 Aug 2015 *

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