TeddIR: tangible information retrieval for children

Despite several efforts to make search engines more childfriendly, children still have trouble using systems that require keyboard input. We present TeddIR: a system using a tangible interface that allows children to search for books by placing tangible figurines and books they like/dislike in a green/red box, causing relevant results to be shown on a display. This way, issues with spelling and query formulation are avoided. A fully functional prototype was built and evaluated with children aged 6–8 at a primary school. The children understood TeddIR to a large extent and enjoyed the playful interaction. Categories and Subject Descriptors H.3.3 Information Storage and Retrieval: Information Search and Retrieval; H.5.2 Information Interfaces and Presentation: User Interfaces General Terms Human Factors Keywords Tangible User Interfaces, Children, Information Retrieval

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2010
• Where: ACMIDC
• Authors: Michel Jansen, Wim Bos, Paul E. van der Vet, Theo W. C. Huibers, Djoerd Hiemstra
• Keywords: ACMIDC 2010, Human Computer Interaction, Tangible, Tangible Interface, Tangible User Interfaces