Mobile multitouch interaction bei Vorschulkindern
| Author | Wappel, S. |
|---|---|
Publication type | Master Thesis |
| Place Published | St. Pölten |
| Publication date | 15.08.2013 |
| Supervising Tutor | Peter Judmaier |
Abstract
This thesis is about multi-touch gestures for children. Children are a very specific target group, because their motor function, cognitive and socials skills are not yet completely developed. When creating software for children, general standards and guidelines and specific criteria for interaction design must be considered. However, mobile devices, such as tablets and smartphones, have changed and expanded the opportunities for interaction.
By using different gestures, such as drag and drop, pinch, swipe and spin, systems can be controlled. A gesture consists of certain characteristics and has a very complex structure. Not only the gesture in a system must be tested, also the benefits of the gesture and the ergonomics are very important.The pivotal question of this thesis is, whether children have the motor skills to execute the multi-touch gestures drag and drop, pinch, spin and swipe. The empirical study shown that children certainly have the skills to execute this multi-touch gestures, but with some restrictions. Mainly two to three year olds have significant difficulties with the pinch and rotation gestures. In addition, children do not have the cognitive abilities to think abstractly. This is especially important when giving assistance. They cannot reproduce a gesture if merely explained by arrows or graphical representation, they only succeed if the gesture is shown to them.