Eduarda Coquet

TOK: a tangible interface for storytelling

We present the design of the first prototype of TOK - a tangible interface for children to create their own stories. Based on data collected with two groups of five years old preschoolers we present our findings regarding the interaction design of the system. The picture cards have shown to generate ideas, acting as input for the creation of stories, promoting creativity while proposing a framework that supports and guides the construction of logical structures. This is a first step in an effort to build a toolkit of tangible interfaces allowing children and teachers to build their own digital enhanced learning activities.

Bridging book: a not-so-electronic children's picturebook

We present and technically describe the implementation of a book prototype: the Bridging Book, a childrens mixed-media picture-book that blurs the line between printed and electronic books. Bridging book consists of a printed book and a digital device, placed side-by-side, with synchronized content. Thumbing through the books pages triggers the device to display the complementary digital content. The physical book requires no batteries or wires. In the current version, the printed illustrations on each page of the physical book are extended into the device screen, offering further interaction. The content can be explored both linearly by reading and thumbing the printed book and/or exploring the interaction on the digital device. We also briefly explain the planned future study observation, with children, to evaluate our prototype.