Tangible Play Objects: Influence of Different Combinations of Feedback Modalities

This paper presents a study on children's play with tangible, interactive objects called MagicBuns. The aim of this study was to examine the support of different combinations of tangible feedback on different play behaviors and forms of play related to the different development stages of children. Furthermore, a comparison of the play behavior was made between children within the age category four till six and children in the age category ten till twelve years old. Creating guidelines for designing play objects which can grow along with the children. For this study MagicBuns were developed, that through rolling or shaking vibrate, create sounds or change color. Eighty children played in small groups in three different play sessions with these objects. These sessions showed that younger children engage more in parallel play, making use of one feedback modality and simple interaction rules, while older children prefer more complexity. They integrate multiple interaction rules and feedback modalities in their games.