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Children’s development aspects | Children’s design elements | Descriptions |
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Cognitive | Visual design | (i) The icon used should represent an easily recognisable, interactive, and not complex visual |
(ii) The icon should be large so that children can click it easily |
(iii) Use graphic metaphors. For example, using an interface that looks like a children’s storybook. Children will also sense the object as if they are in the real world |
Text | (i) Reduce text usage due to different levels of children’s literacy |
(ii) Use simple instructions that are suitable for the children’s age |
Interaction styles | (i) Provide immediate feedback. Children are usually impatient and need immediate feedback to show that every action impacts |
(ii) The interface should provide scaffolding and guidance to assist children in completing their tasks |
(iii) Use audio and animation with specific functionality |
(iv) The interface should display the system status and facilitate children’s navigation |
(v) Use direct manipulation where each input device has a direct effect on the screen |
Menu | (i) Menus should be used easily, and there should be no submenus |
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Physical (motor skills) | Indicators | (i) Interaction for the mouse should be easier. For example, a one-click interface is easier than using a two-click |
(ii) Touch screen is appropriate for children |
(iii) The dragging movement must be done by clicking on the object to attach it to the pointer and then clicking again and releasing it to the desired location |
(iv) The interface should not cause children to hold the mouse button for a long duration |
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