Rematerializing the User Interface of a Digitized Toy Through Tokens: A Comparative User Study with Children Aged Five to Six

Abstract

This research aims to measure and empirically validate the effect of tangible interaction on children’s play experience. During this study a Research Through Design approach was followed. A prototype of a programmable toy train with a Tangible User Interface based on tokens, was build. Afterwards a comparative user test with 34 children aged five to six, was carried out to verify the prototype. The prototype was compared to two similar established toys, one with a Physical User Interface and one with a Graphical User Interface. After the user tests, the participants were questioned to gain insight in which type of user interface is preferred and why. Preference was asked with the use of the This-or-That method. Insight into the reasons of preference towards a user interface was gained through a Laddering method.