Scute Hunt!
Literacy prep toy prototype (Fabrication, P-Comp)
Overview
This is a prototype for literacy preparation toy that helps 2-5 year old kids to learn descriptive words at home with their caregivers using scute cards and interactive display feedback.
About the research
The research was a robust process with visits to educator events, households with young kids (age under 5), Children's Museum of Manhattan, NYPL Afterschool tutoring table, public school events, Adaptive Design Association workshop, etc and interviews with parents, students, and educators. The research aims to find a tactile and playful way for literacy preparation for younger age groups.
OLED+Button switch+Sensors
The interactive components are made of a combination of OLED display, Button switch, and sensors that detect the number of the scutes placed onto the board
Fabrication
The fabrication process included 3D modeling and printing, laser cutting, Arduino wiring, cutting foam sheets, and soldering wires on copper fabric pieces
Visits and interviews
This needs a whole another page to summarize the insights I learned from the educators and parents and students alike
Pilot tests
Several rounds of usability tests were conducted with peers and in households with kids