In this paper, we introduce a design for an electronic toy that is variable in shape and flexibility by using a structural object called "Ninja Track," which is a belt-shaped object that consists of ABS parts hinged both longitudinally and transversely. When lying flat, Ninja Track is adequately flexible. When the user folds Ninja Track at the longitudinal hinges, it loses its flexibility and becomes a rigid stick. We have created two types of electronic toys as applications of this structure. During the toy prototyping process, we discovered five interactional considerations for Ninja Track. Whilst showing toys at public exhibitions over a period of two weeks, we discovered a few problems with Ninja Track, and we have implemented solutions to these problems.
This paper proposes a Situation Design that designs not only the experience of behavior itself, but also the experience of the environment around the behavior. The research question of this paper is how to motivate children to paint. To find answers, we implemented an iPhone application. The app we came up with was The World Is Canvas; using it, one will be able to enjoy coloring based on a Situation Design. We adopted physical interaction, the function of which is to paint on the screen with fingers, as a design of a painting experience itself. We also adopted social interaction as a design of the environment around behavior, with the goal of offering fun. For social interaction, we adopted a mobile device with a network connection and a function to generate a draft for coloring by using a photo taken by the user. We conducted user evaluation tests on 111 children to analyze their user experience, and we demonstrated that they enjoyed themselves through these approaches.
This article presents a design theory for an emerging genre in digital content called Ubiquitous Contents. To design entertaining experience, the article introduces the design concept of the Experience Chain. Examples are shown to illustrate how people, artifacts, and environment can be seamlessly connected to design emotional and entertaining experiences through the interaction.
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