Cooperative Inquiry: Developing new Technologies for Children with Children

In today’s homes and schools, children are emerging as frequent and experienced users of technology [3, 14]. As this trend continues, it becomes increasingly important to ask if we are fulfilling the technology needs of our children. To answer this question, I have developed a research approach that enables young children to have a voice throughout the technology development process. In this paper, the techniques of cooperative inquiry will be described along with a theoretical framework that situates this work in the HCI literature. Two examples of technology resulting from this approach will be presented, along with a brief discussion on the design-centered learning of team researchers using cooperative inquiry. Keywords Children, design techniques, educational applications, cooperative design, participatory design, cooperative inquiry, intergenerational design team, KidPad, PETS. CHILDREN AS OUR RESEARCH PARTNERS Today’s technologies are becoming a critical part of our children...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 1999
• Where: CHI
• Authors: Allison Druin
• Keywords: CHI 1999, Cooperative Inquiry, Human Computer Interaction, Technology, Technology Users