JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

A prototype of a tangible user interface for a fishing game, which is intended to be used by children with speech sound disorders (SSD), speech and language therapists (SLTs), and kindergarten teachers and assistants (KTAs) and parents alike, has been developed and tested.

Objective:

The question this paper aims to answer is: How can tangible user interfaces (TUIs) be used as a tool to help in interventions for children with SSD?

Methods:

In order to obtain feedback and to ensure that the prototype was being developed according to the needs of the identified target users, an exploratory test was prepared and carried out. During this test an observation grid, a semi-structured questionnaire and interviews were used to gather data. Four different types of stakeholders (sample size of 10) tested the prototype: 2 SLTs, 2 KTAs and 6 children.

Results:

The analysis of quantitative and qualitative data revealed that the prototype addresses the existing needs of SLTs and KTAs, and that 83% of children enjoyed the activity. Results also revealed a high replay value, with all children saying they would play more.

Conclusions:

Serious games and tangible interaction for learning and problem solving serve both teachers and children because children enjoy playing, and, through a playful approach, learning is facilitated. A clear pattern was observed: Children enjoyed playing the game, even evoking memories of happy moments. The game is varied and rich enough to be attractive and fun. There is a clear need and interest in similar objects from SLTs and educators. However, the process should be even more iterative, with a multidisciplinary team and all end-users able to participate as co-designers.