Craft, click and play
Jesús Ibáñez · 2014
In this paper we present a novel approach for kids' entertainment along with a related technology that makes it possible (as well as a set of use cases that demonstrate its potential). Our approach employs both physical and digital elements. Instead of mixing the physical and digital worlds in the same interface, both worlds are employed separately. In a few words, the kids play with typical physical elements in a creative way for crafting a game scenario in the real world. Then, the result of this physical playtime is transferred to a digital device (particularly a tablet or smartphone) by taking a picture of it. Particular game elements (and its role) are recognised based on their colour. As a result, a digital game is automatically built from the photograph of their physical creations. Two key features of our approach are simplicity and immediacy. The kids can create new whole entertaining experiences very easily (from the technological point of view). The kids are not only responsible for creating the scenarios, but also for defining the game rules and controlling its compliance (as it happens in traditional physical games). The approach aims to foster kids' creativity, socialization, responsibility, conflict resolution, flexibility, and their manual and artistic skills.