How to measure the likeability of tangible interaction with preschoolers
Bieke Zaman, Vero Vanden Abeele · Lirias · 2007
We argue that user research on Tangible Interaction, especially in combination with children, lacks sound experimental validation on whether it is really the ‘tangible’ interaction that is causing the positive effects. In order to advance the field of Tangible Interaction, there is a need to move on to more controlled experiments that allow to test, refine or reject premises that are put forward by exploratory research. Consequently, we report on an experimental study of Tangible Interaction. We put 36 preschoolers to the test and asked them to play a game, either via a keyboard or via a Tangible Interface. We measured the joy-ofuse or ‘likeability’, a typical domain that is supposed to be improved by Tangible Interaction. In this research paper, we report on how to measure ‘likeability’, with a special focus on adapting an experimental research design for four- to six-yearolds.