Little LinguistLittle LinguistLittle LinguistLittle Linguist

Tamecia Jones Tamecia Jones Ed 147Ed 147

Topic Definition• Bilingual Education…• Object-labeling for vocabulary-building• Users will be primary elementary

students that are second language learners

• Goal: Image recognition and speech/voice interfaces in a handheld

Key Interface GuidepostsKey Design Question

Answer Constraint/Affordance

Who will use the system? Kindergarten and First Grade students learning English as their second language

Size to fit user size, direct manipulation

For what purposes? To identify objects beyond those primarily focused on in the classroom

Graphics and color (supports recognition over recall)

In what environments? At home and outside of school, but can be supplemental support in classroom

User controlled audio

On what occasions? Anytime, in play, travel, etc Durability, light, small

Comprehension issues and actions they face

Reading, menu hierarchy challenges

Avoid scrolling and indexes, simple modes and single-function buttons

Backgrounds of knowledge, understanding, and skill they bring to help use

Some users might be familiar with handheld games and educational software

Use similar buttons to other devices (radios, tv, vcr, Playstation)

Backgrounds of knowledge, understanding, and skill they bring to hinder use

Lack of prior computer use, Reading

Build in auditory help and direction options; undo function

Similar ProductsSimilar object Description Likes Dislikes

Enchanted Learners English-Spanish Picture Dictionary http://www.enchantedlearning.com/languages/Spanishdictionary.html

Organizes alphabetical index of pictures with Spanish and English words accompanying each one.

Large library of materialSimplePromotes recognition over recall

Organization of images in pages No allowance for additionsMust be connected through the internetComputer required

DynEd Internationalhttp://www.dyned.com

Language Learner software used on a computer with a mouse

Keyboard not required

Not handheld and portableNo allowance for additions

Leapster Multimedia Learning Systemhttp://www.leapfrog.com

Multimedia learning system that uses cartridge games

Keyboard not requiredNavigational buttons for screens and magic penHandheld shape

ShapeHandheld

Leappad Learning Systemhttp://www.leapfrog.com

Learning System with console that uses books and cartridges and a magic pen to transforms pictures and words into sounds

User-controlledDynamic in lesson materialKeyboard not required

Uses paper as the basic medium

Design Alternatives

Challenges• A multimodal device provides a challenge to

keep menus simple and single-function buttons (Dual function buttons challenge young users, but how many buttons can they remember…7+/-2 rule?)

• Choice of the navigational buttons (round mouse ball vs. Plus-shaped button)

• Separation of mode, command, and function buttons

• Placement of volume and shutter buttons• Size: screen, buttons, images

Prototype-Little Linguist

• Handheld• Embedded digital

camera• Interaction is based

on a conversational metaphor and direct navigation through buttons or touch screen (next generation)

Strengths and Weaknesses

• Animal shape helps users identify location of functions by natural mapping of functions to body parts (eyes=viewfinder, ears=speakers, mouth=screen)

• Large buttons• Most buttons map to the

same function as other common devices (play, stop, etc.)

• There are many buttons to remember

• This device must have high-quality voice user interface because it is language-oriented

• Unless users go through a series of questions relating to their function wishes, menus may not be avoidable if screen buttons are not the option we want to take

User Evaluation Observation

• Users map to functionality quickly• Users identify function and mode buttons quickly• Navigational buttons and function buttons were

sometimes confused in performing tasks• Placement of the shutter button is not naturally

mapped• Users were able to remember buttons and matching

functions• Some users reverse the prototype when simulating

taking the pictures• Scripting in conversation is very important• Sounds may or may not be bonus

Next Steps

• Move camera shutter button to placement accessible to right index finger

• High fidelity prototype with auditory function

• Test the navigational button choice again• Add obvious camera lens by way of a

nonprotruding “nose”

Little Linguist II…coming soon