Lorna McKnight
Daniel Fitton
ABSTRACT
While devices such as iPhones, iPads and Surface tables enable a wide range of interaction possibilities, we do not yet have a set of widely understood terminology that conveys the new and unfamiliar touch-screen gestures required for interaction. In this paper we explore terminology for touch-screen gestures and in particular the implications for child users. An initial study exploring touch-screen language with 6-7 year-olds is presented as an illustration of some of the key problems that designers need to be aware of. The children were able to perform a range of touch-screen gestures and transfer metaphors from other contexts but mistakes were observed. From this study we present a set of suggestions as to how designers of touch-screen applications can support children more effectively.
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Index Terms
- Touch-screen technology for children: giving the right instructions and getting the right responses
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